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ScrubReadyYour surgical clerkship field guide

Procedures

Laparoscopic appendectomy

OverviewAnatomyStepsComplicationsOR QuestionsQuiz
Illustrated
Illustrated anatomy
An anterior schematic of the cecum, terminal ileum and exposed appendix. Taenia coli converge at the appendiceal base. The mesoappendix contains the appendiceal artery. A separate inset shows an appendix behind the cecum.ILEOCECAL REGION · ANTERIOR SCHEMATICPatient’s rightMedialCecumTaenia coliAppendiceal baseAppendixTerminal ileumIleocecal junctionMesoappendixAppendiceal arteryRetrocecal positionAlternative position, behind the cecum.Dashed appendix shows the hidden course.Cecum shown translucent for orientation.

Schematic, not to scale. Appendix and mesoappendix spread for teaching. The inset shows the alternative retrocecal position.

Structures to identify

Select a structure to highlight it. Select it again to show all anatomy.

Orientation

Find the base first

Follow the taenia coli toward their convergence at the appendiceal base, then trace the appendix and its mesoappendix.

Sources:
Sources:

Illustrated view only; no intraoperative photographs are included.