minneapolis — Stephen Colbert is off late-night TV after emergency surgery last week — the comedian’s appendix burst.
So we wondered, “What effect does the appendix have on our bodies?” And why are we okay without it? good question. Jeff Wagner explains the mystery behind the tiny organ.
On the skyway system lining Minneapolis, passersby were shown pictures of appendixes to see if they could guess the organ’s name. Most people could identify it, but not everyone knew about its function in the body. “It cleans something up,” Art surmised. His theory isn’t far off.
“For years, surgeons thought that was the way to stay in business,” joked Dr. Richard Zella, a surgical oncologist at Hennepin Healthcare.
What function does the appendix do in the body? For a long time, doctors and scientists could not figure out its exact function. However, recent research has yielded one very plausible explanation. “We found that it is very important in the immune system of the (gastrointestinal) tract,” Zella said.
He said the appendix is a reservoir of good bacteria for the colon. The appendix then repopulates the colon with good bacteria to maintain a healthy balance, but disease can disrupt this balance. “After certain illnesses, such as diarrheal diseases or Clostridium difficile infections, it is important to restore the colon to normal conditions,” Zella says.
What causes appendicitis? It begins with a blockage of the opening where the appendix meets the large intestine.
Zella said the blockage can be caused by parasites, hardened stool, or general inflammation. It causes abdominal pain that moves to the lower right side of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. In many cases, especially if they rupture, they must be removed surgically.
“Many people live perfectly normal lives without an appendix,” Zella said, raising her hand. “I put mine out about 60 years ago.”
Appendicitis is classified as simple or complex.
Both versions involve inflammation. Uncomplicated appendicitis can be treated with antibiotics, but patients have a 40% chance of recurrence, Zella said. In that case, surgery may be your best option.
Symptoms of complicated appendicitis are more painful and the appendix may rupture. This can lead to a life-threatening infection and surgery is the only option.
Why is it okay to not have an appendix? “That’s a good question, too,” Zella said. “Apparently, its function, while important, is subtle enough that other parts of the colon, perhaps the caecum, play some of its role.”
Simply put, your appendix is like a little helper for your intestines, and while it’s harmless when it’s gone, it can be harmful when you need it.
“Recovery from appendectomies is pretty quick these days,” Zella said, adding that recovery from surgery typically takes three to four days.
jeff wagner
