Topographic Anatomy of the Appendix and Its Clinical Correlates in Appendicitis Presentations at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

The vermiform appendix, a blind-ended pouch arising from the caecum, displays considerable variation in its topographic position, length, and mesoappendix attachment. These anatomical variations influence the clinical presentation of acute appendicitis, the site of maximal tenderness, and the surgical approach chosen for appendicectomy. Despite the high incidence of appendicitis in Nigerian hospitals, data on appendiceal positional variants specific to northern Nigerian populations are limited. This study aims to document the topographic position and morphometric characteristics of the appendix, and their correlation with clinical presentations of appendicitis, at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, North West Nigeria. Intraoperative observations will be recorded from consenting patients undergoing emergency or elective appendicectomy, noting appendiceal position, length, base diameter, and the position of McBurney's point relative to the incision. Data will be cross-referenced with clinical records for symptom onset pattern and peritonitis occurrence. Findings are expected to improve surgical and diagnostic awareness among junior surgeons and clinical trainees in Kano, contributing to reduced rates of negative appendicectomy and delayed diagnosis.

Keywords: appendix, topographic anatomy, appendicitis, surgical anatomy, Kano