exploration of other structures
Last reviewed 01/2018
Once the appendix has been removed, the area of separation should be examined for any signs of leakage of bowel contents. The mesentery should be examined for any signs of haemorrhage. The last metre of ileum is examined to check for a Meckel's diverticulum; this is particularly important in the absence of macroscopic evidence of appendicitis or other causes of abdominal pain.
In females without a visibly inflamed appendix, it may be possible to palpate the uterus and right ovary from the wound.