Appendectomy and tonsillectomy, very common in the past

When I was a child, it seemed as if everyone was having at least one of the surgeries, if not both. Both, the appendix and the tonsils were seen as superfluous, not necessary, so if they were causing problems, just “take ‘em out.” Now, however, we're learning that the appendix may not be so useless after all: Scientists figure out what the appendix is doing.

Of course, we don’t really always know what is going on in the body and what different parts of the body are for. Tonsils, for example, are now known to be the first defence against infection. According to EHealth.MD, in early childhood, the tonsils and adenoids help make antibodies against infection. Of course, if they become infected on a regular basis, they should be removed if the doctors feel that this is the best course of action.

With an appendix, if infection or inflammation occurs, removal is more urgent. If someone has appendicitis and it is left untreated, it can be fatal.

The symptoms of appendicitis include:
- Pain in the abdomen, starting in the middle and then moving to the right
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Fever

If the appendix becomes so inflamed (swollen), it can burst, causing an infection in the abdomen, called peritonitis. This is life-threatening.

When someone is diagnosed with appendicitis, surgery is generally the treatment. Historically done by an incision a few inches long, it can now be done with a laparoscope in most uncomplicated cases, leaving just a small scar after healing.

If the surgeons suspect that the appendix may burst, or if it has already, the traditional larger incision is usually needed.

Recovery after an appendectomy, without bursting, is usually straight forward. The most important issue is dealing with the after-surgery pain and making sure that the bowels begin to move properly. If the appendix did burst, then antibiotics are usually ordered to be sure that an infection doesn’t set in.

I think my husband and I are very unusual for our generation. Both of us have our appendix, our tonsils, and our wisdom teeth!

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