The relationship between luminal obstruction and appendix diameter and length in pediatric acute appendicitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between macroscopic measurements (diameter and length) of the appendix and factors such as lumen status, gender, and histopathological diagnosis subgroups in patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis. A total of 134 patients who underwent surgery for acute appendicitis were included in the study. Demographic data such as age and gender, and clinical parameters such as lumen status and histopathological diagnosis were recorded. Appendix diameter and length were measured macroscopically and recorded in millimeters (mm). The mean age of the patients was 14.03  ±  2.78 years, with 44% being female and 56% male. The appendix lumen was found to be patent in 36 cases (26.9%) and obliterated in 98 cases (73.1%). Appendix diameter was higher in the obliterated lumen group compared to the patent lumen group (p  =  0.005), with a significant increase in Acute Phlegmenous Appendicitis cases compared to other cases. Our findings suggest that macroscopic measurements while not alone, can significantly contribute to the evaluation of acute appendicitis and their interpretation when used in conjunction with clinical and histopathological data.