| Topic: | Digestive Diseases (DD) |
| Title: | Is the Appendix a Vestigial Organ? Its Role in Ulcerative Colitis. |
| Author: | Binder, H.J. |
| Source: | Gastroenterology 121(3): 730-737. September 2001. |
| Availability: | Available from W.B. Saunders Company. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. (800) 654-2452. Website: www.gastrojournal.org. |
| Abstract: | This article summarizes a research study that considers the role of the appendix in ulcerative colitis (UC, a type of inflammatory bowel disease), including the possible role of appendectomy (removal of the appendix) in protecting against UC. The author briefly reviews the research in this area, then focuses on one particular study that was reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2001 (Andersson, R.E., et al, Volume 344). The investigators in that study conclude that the inflammatory response leading to an appendectomy rather than the removal of the appendix was the significant clinical factor negatively associated with developing UC at a later date. The absence of this protective effect in older patients with appendicitis also suggests that the immune mechanisms resulting in appendicitis in these patients may differ from those resulting in appendicitis before the third decade. The author then appends a lengthy commentary exploring the ramifications of these results. The author concludes that in the absence of evidence supporting a more causal role for the appendix, adoption of therapeutic appendectomy as a strategy to affect the incidence or clinical course of UC is premature, despite recent case reports suggesting clinical improvement and reduction in mucosal inflammatory mediators after appendectomy. Numerous studies are referred to in the text of this article. |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English. |
| Major Keywords: | Digestive System Diseases. Ulcerative Colitis. Appendectomy. Appendix. Etiology. Complications. Inflammation. |
| Minor Keywords: | Risk Factors. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Therapy. Patient Care Management. Pathology. Research. |
| Publication Number: | DDJA08790 |
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