retrocecal

1 9.9

A part that sits behind the first part of the large intestine, often the appendix

adjective
/ˌrɛtroʊˈsiːkəl/

Specialized

: retrocecal

The surgeon found a retrocecal appendix during the operation.

Examples

Pain from a retrocecal appendix may be less localized than usual.
Surgeons need to consider retrocecal anatomy during appendectomies.
A retrocecal appendix can make diagnosis of appendicitis more difficult.
The surgeon noted that the patient's appendix was in a retrocecal position.
The appendix is often retrocecal in many patients.
In some patients, the retrocecal position of the appendix can complicate diagnosis.
An ultrasound revealed that her appendix was in a retrocecal location behind the cecum.

Surface Forms

retrocecal positive

retrocecal comparative

retrocecal superlative

Morphology

retrocecal = cecal (semi-transparent) = retro + cecal

Formally compositional (retro + cecal = behind the cecum), but both elements are medical/Latinate and may be unfamiliar or misleading to average B1 learners.

Etymology

Retrocecal comes from retro- meaning 'behind', the same idea in the word retrospect which means 'look back', and cecal from cecum, a small pouch at the start of the large intestine. So a retrocecal appendix sits 'behind the cecum', which is why its pain or signs can be harder to find.