ABSTRACT
This is a retrospective study of 9 out of 1503 [0.6%] appendectomy specimens diagnosed as appendicular diverticulosis. These nine cases were further submitted to meticulous gross and microscopic examination. We followed a special protocol which enabled us to study the pattern of vascular penetration along the mesenteric border of the appendix. Sections were stained by haematoxylin and eosin as well as Van Gieson stain to study the pathologic changes in the layers of the appendices examined. We found that acquired diverticular disease of the appendix is a progressive disease, start at the tip of the appendix and progressively develop as we proceed proximally. We found that diverticulosis occurs more in males and starts at young age group and attain a full stage of development in the fourth decade of life and above. The diverticulum develops along the mesenteric border of the appendix and it passes through three stages namely; pre-early, and advanced stage. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of wide neurovascular hilae in the muscle coat through which the submucosa and the mucosa herniate, later on it is associated with hypertrophied musculosa. Inflammatory reaction was found in only one case. In conclusion, pathologists should follow special protocol in examining the vermiform appendix removed by surgical operations to more fully appreciate the development and incidence of diverticulosis of this organ, which is presented clinically with signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis