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World J Gastroenterol. May 28, 2007; 13(20): 2855-2857
Published online May 28, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i20.2855
New concept of ileocecal junction: Intussusception of the terminal ileum into the cecum
Burin Awapittaya, Jirawat Pattana-arun, Tanwa Tansatit, Prapon Kanjanasilpa, Chucheep Sahakijrungruang, Arun Rojanasakul
Burin Awapittaya, Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery, Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Jirawat Pattana-arun, Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tanwa Tansatit, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Prapon Kanjanasilpa, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Chucheep Sahakijrungruang, Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Arun Rojanasakul, Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Burin Awapittaya, MD, Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery, Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. burinmail@gmail.com
Telephone: +66-2-3458080 Fax: +66-2-3548080
Received: February 9, 2007
Revised: March 3, 2007
Accepted: March 8, 2007
Published online: May 28, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To prove that the terminal ileum is intussuscepted into the cecum creating the ileocecal junction, contrary to previous valvular concept which has been widely believed.

METHODS: This study is based on gross and microscopic examinations of fresh specimens derived from colonic operations (right hemicolectomy or subtotal colectomy). Data compiled from observing and dissecting of specimens of seven patients are used to examine both gross and microscopic appearance of ileocecal junction.

RESULTS: Intussusception of the terminal ileum was found in every specimen. However, the length of intussusception was different in each specimen.

CONCLUSION: Gross and microscopic appearance studies suggest that the terminal ileum is intussuscepted into the cecum.

Keywords: Ileocecal valve, Ileocecal junction, Intussusception