Study of Arterial Supply of Caecum and Appendix: A Cadaveric Study.

Abstract

Background: A precise knowledge of vascular anatomy of caecum and vermiform appendix is a must while doing surgical procedures like right hemicolectomy, appendicectomy and reconstructive microsurgeries using appendix. The aim is to study the arterial supply of the caecum and vermiform appendix, the findings of which may reveal more anatomical details including variations. Materials and Methods: 25 specimens of caecum and appendix with their arteries intact were dissected, removed from cadavers and preserved, the ileocolic artery and its branches to the caecum and vermiform appendix were traced carefully, painted with red acrylic paint and observations recorded. Results: The common caecal artery was seen in 52% of specimens. The common caecal artery which gave rise to anterior caecal artery in 40% and posterior caecal artery in 36% of specimens was the most common source of origin of these two arteries. The commonest source of origin of main appendicular artery was ileocolic artery in 28%. In 40% of specimens appendix received more than one appendicular artery. Arterial arcades were present in 12 specimens (48%) mainly between superior and inferior divisions of ileocolic artery. Conclusion: From this study we conclude that the anatomical details such as the origin, number of arteries and pattern of branching of the caecal and appendicular arteries are not only important for ablative surgeries but also in reconstructive microsurgeries using appendix for the survival of graft.