Bifid appendix: its embryologic explanation and clinical implications

Punita SHARMA, Anupama MAHAJAN

Abstract

Knowledge of vermiform appendix variations is important for the surgeons because diagnosis of appendicitis remain essentially clinical requiring a mixture of observations, clinical acumen and surgical sense in spite of extraordinary advances in modern radiographic imaging and diagnostic laboratory investigations. During routine dissection in the Department of Anatomy, we came across a bifid appendix, which does not fit into the routine classification of appendix duplication. A missed second appendix may result in serious clinical and medico-legal consequences and it can be confused with other intra-abdominal conditions.