Acute appendicitis: ligation of appendix (An experimental model in rabbits)

The evolving phases of acute appendicitis were studied in rabbits using an experimental model. Twenty one male rabbits from New Zeland lineage (oryctogalus cuniculus) weighing approximately 3.000 grams each were included. The animals were divided into three groups. Appendix was ligated with No=0 silk ties from 7-8 cm distal. Appendectomy was performed 12, 24 and 36 hours after the ligation of appendix in Group I, Group II and Group III, respectively. All the appendectomy materials were macroscopically and microscopically examined. Experimental obstruction of the appendix resulted in inflammatory changes in the wall of the appendix in all of the cases, histopathologically similar to seen in humans. There was a close relationship between the histopathological findings and time period passing after the occlusion of appendix. In our particular experimental experience ligation of appendix was found as a successful method in constituting a model of acute appendicitis.