Agenesis of the appendix--case report.

Agenesis of the appendix is an exceedingly rare abnormality. When it does occur it may represent part of a more generalized ileocaeco-appendicular abnormality or it may occur as a localized event. A case is presented of a 23 year old lady with features of acute appendicitis in whom exploration revealed absence of the appendix and ileo-caecal lymphadenitis. The diagnosis should not be made without thorough exploration including full mobilization of the caecal area. Pre-operative diagnosis is only possible with laparoscopy.