Is it possible to have an appendectomy without appendicitis?
Jun 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
A healthy appendix, although not a critical organ, serves as part of the body's immune system. Unnecessary removal may carry surgical risks such as wound infection and intra-abdominal adhesions. Furthermore, there is no evidence indicating that removing a healthy appendix provides any benefits. Therefore, appendectomy is not recommended unless medically necessary. In cases where specific medical indications exist, surgery may be performed following a physician's evaluation.
Appendectomy is generally not recommended in the absence of appendicitis, unless specific medical indications are present. If concerns exist, it is advised to seek medical consultation in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Normally, a healthy appendix serves as part of the body's immune system. Although its function is not critical, unnecessary removal may carry surgical risks such as wound infection and intra-abdominal adhesions. Moreover, no evidence supports any benefit from removing a healthy appendix; therefore, surgery is not recommended unless medically necessary.
If clear medical indications exist, such as appendiceal tumors, chronic abdominal pain suspected to be caused by appendiceal disease after investigation, or if prophylactic appendectomy is required due to conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis, surgery may be performed following physician evaluation. In these cases, appendectomy is intended to prevent disease progression or clarify the underlying cause and is considered a reasonable medical intervention.
The decision to remove a non-diseased appendix must strictly follow medical principles and should only be made after a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified physician. Surgery should not be pursued for non-essential reasons to avoid unnecessary risks.
