Abstract

The appendix being the common site for inflammation an idea came to the mind that if the lumen is obliterated whether we can prevent inflammation. With this idea at the back of the mind a study was made in appendices which showed obliteration of the lumen or a very little lumen. 300 biopsy specimens sent to the pathology department of ASRM Medical College, SSSMC& RI and MGM&RI were made use for the study. 70 specimens showed obliteration of lumen. The causes were due to the presence of faecolith, due to lymphoid proliferation and due to fibrous tissue replacing the lumen. Narrowing of the lumen was further classified into total obliteration which was observed in 18 specimens, slit like lumen in 9 cases and a very small lumen in 43 cases.   The incidence was more in chronic inflammation associated with lymphoid proliferation and in males.  The obliteration of the lumen of appendix was more common in the age group ranging from 20- 40 years during which time the lymphoid tissue is also more due to repeated infections

Keywords: Appendix. Obliteration of lumen, Lymphoid proliferation.