Although we now know that the appendix is there for a purpose and is not just a vestigial structure of no real importance to the body, it is generally advisable to have it removed when it becomes inflamed, rather than run the risk of a perforation and resultant peritonitis. On the other hand, surgeons who routinely remove a healthy appendix merely because the abdomen has been opened for another operation are, from nature’s standpoint, guilty of an incomprehensible action. Every scar carries with it the possibility of subsequent irritations and disturbances. Anyone who lives sensibly, keeps his bowels working well and makes sure that infectious diseases are completely cured, will generally be able to keep his appendix throughout life without any danger of inflammation.
It has been discovered that once the appendix has been removed the bowels become more sensitive. This alone indicates that an operation should be resorted to only when really necessary. Even then, a person should proceed with caution and seek a competent and conscientious surgeon, to be sure that the operation will be performed with the utmost care, because second operations have at times been necessary when an instrument or a piece of bandage was left inside the patient. However, such carelessness and negligence can only happen if those responsible for the blunder are not equal to the high standards of their profession.
*412/28/1*
