New concept of ileocecal junction: Intussusception of the terminal ileum into the cecum

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.

Key Words: Ileocecal valve, Ileocecal junction, Intussusception

INTRODUCTION

The anatomy of the ileocecal junction (IC junction) was first described as ileocecal valve concept; fold of mucosa into the lumen of cecum[1,2]. Later studies described a thickened muscular eminence, and the concept of sphincter at IC junction was emerged. Manometric studies had shown characteristic of IC junction[3-8]. A four-centimeter zone of elevated pressure was demonstrated at the junction[3]. Physiological study of the IC junction has suggested that "ceco-ileal excitatory reflex", initiated by Ileal distension stimulate the reflex relaxation of IC junction and cecal, is the main mechanism in allowing the chime to pass into the cecum. Cecal distension appears to evoke reflex ileal and IC junction, thus preventing ceco-ileal reflux[4]. Kumar and Phillips[1,8] proposed that competency of IC junction is facilitated by angulation of the ileum on the cecum, an anatomic arrangement which maintained by external (superior and inferior ileocecal) ligaments.

However, from our observation, during the operation and examination of specimens reveal that the appearance of ileocecal junction as the terminal ileum was intussuscepted into the cecum, of which is the point that this study attempts to prove.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven specimens of colon and terminal ileum (including ileocecal junction) from seven patients were collected for this study.

Inclusion criteria

(1) Specimens derived from right hemicolectomy or extended right hemicolectomy; (2) Specimens derived from subtotal colectomy.

Exclusion criteria

(1) Specimens of patients who had disease or pathology of ileocecal junction; (2) Specimens of patients who underwent appen-dectomy.

Methods of studying the ileocecal junction from specimens

Gross anatomy examination is conducted to investigate the possibility of terminal ileum intussuscepted into the cecum. In case of detecting the intussusception, the length of the terminal ileum which is intussuscepted in to the cecum will be measured.

Microscopic examination with H&E staining is conducted to determine the intussusception of terminal ileum into the cecum by dissecting specimens from the ileocecal junction area.

RESULTS

Seven specimens from seven patients were used in this study. Details of patients are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Details of patients and operations.

Patient’s diagnosis	Age (yr)	Gender	Operation
Colonic cancer of the ascending colon	58	Male	Right hemicolectomy
Colonic cancer of the hepatic flexure	64	Male	Right hemicolectomy
Colonic cancer of the sigmoid colon	53	Male	Subtotal colectomy
Bleeding diverticulosis	70	Female	Subtotal colectomy
Colonic cancer of the hepatic flexure	74	Male	Extended right hemicolectomy
Colonic cancer of the hepatic flexure	64	Female	Extended right hemicolectomy
Colonic cancer of the transverse colon	64	Male	Extended right hemicolectomy

Findings of gross appearance reveal that the terminal ileum is intussuscepted into the cecum in all seven specimens (Figures 1 and 2). However, the length of the intussusception is different as shown in Table 2.

Figure 1 Intussusception of the terminal ileum into the cecum.

Table 2 Findings of specimen examination and the length of the intussusception of the terminal ileum.

Specimen	Intussusception	Length of intussusception (cm)
Patient 1’s specimen	Yes	1.6
Patient 2’s specimen	Yes	1
Patient 3’s specimen	Yes	0.5
Patient 4’s specimen	Yes	2
Patient 5’s specimen	Yes	1.4
Patient 6’s specimen	Yes	1.6
Patient 7’s specimen	Yes	1.9

Figure 2 Reduction of the intussusceptum part of the terminal ileum from the cecal wall (blue marker). A: Point of intussusception; B: Dissection and reduction of intussusception; C: Length of intussusception, after reduction.

The microscopic examination supports our postulation that there is the intussusception of the terminal ileum into the cecum at the ileocecal junction. Figures 3 and 4 show both muscular layers of the terminal ileum and the cecum in the area of intussusception.

Figure 3 Cross section of the specimen reveals wall of the terminal ileum intussuscepted into the cecum (arrow).

Figure 4 Microscopic appearance of the ileocecal junction displays the muscular layer of the terminal ileum fold extending into the cecum.

DISCUSSION

In 1859 John Hunter proposed his valvular concept of the ileocecal junction of which the mucosa fold extending into the cecum (Flap-valve)[1]. However, our findings from the observation during the operation of the ileocecal junction area and examination of specimens, revealed that there is an intussusception of the terminal ileum into the cecum in every specimen. Cross section of ileocecal junction display both muscular and mucosal layers of the terminal ileum fold into the cecum wall (Figuers 3 and 4). The intussusceptum can be reduced from the cecum by dissection between layers of the terminal ileum and cecum. These findings further refute the flap-valve concept previously believed. Moreover, additional microscopic study reveals that the terminal ileum and cecum are bundled together. Muscle fibers of the cecum and terminal ileum can be depicted separately though bundled up together in the ileocecal junction.

According to these findings, our impression that all layers of the terminal ileum is intussuscepted into the cecum wall is the important role in the anatomy of ileocecal junction which contrary to the previous belief of merely the mucosa.

We will later explore the relationship between the intussusception of the terminal ileum into the cecum and the competency for the ileocecal junction.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors are grateful to Dr. Paiboon Jivapaisarnpong, Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery, Rajavithi Hospital and Dr. Jirawat Pattana-arun, Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University who kindly inspired us to challenge the flap-valve concept of the ileocecal junction.