Acute appendicitis in the rabbit. An experimental study.

With the purpose of devising an experimental model of acute appendicitis, the vermiform appendix in five rabbits was lightly compressed with a specially designed metal clamp, and in five others it was firmly ligated proximally. Based on these experiments, a final model was evolved, with a firm ligature midway on the vermiform process. This model was tested in 15 rabbits and proved to be reliable in provoking acute inflammation in one part, while the rest of the appendix remained unaffected. The literature is reviewed.