title: New concept of ileocecal junction: intussusception of the terminal ileum into the cecum.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gross and microscopic appearance studies suggest that the terminal ileum is intussuscepted into the cecum.
authors.affiliation: Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery, Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. burinmail@gmail.com
authors.forename: Burin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Awapittaya
authors.forename: Jirawat
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pattana-arun
authors.forename: Tanwa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tansatit
authors.forename: Prapon
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kanjanasilpa
authors.forename: Chucheep
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sahakijrungruang
authors.forename: Arun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rojanasakul
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002432:Cecum / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003082:Colectomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007077:Ileal Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D007080:Ileocecal Valve / Q000473:pathology*; D007082:Ileum / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D007443:Intussusception / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged