Healthcare professionals perform appendectomy to remove the appendix of people with appendicitis. In this condition, the appendix gets infected and inflamed. Previously, it was considered that the appendix is a useless part. However, a recent study has found that it has a role in the immune system. A study conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital have revealed that removing appendix can reduce the risk of specific s of colorectal cancer. Â
This study was published in Annals of Surgery. In this study, researchers used data of 140,000 individuals from the Health Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Some of these participants underwent appendectomy while others did not. Researchers tracked these participants for a long time to check if they developed colorectal cancer. They mainly focused on a specific type of cancer that is caused by a bacteria known as Fusobacterium nucleatum. This bacterium is responsible for uncontrolled cell growth to form a cancer tumour. Â
When researchers collected and observed the data, they found that 2,811 individuals had developed colorectal cancer. They checked their cancer tumours to see if they had Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteria. They found that people who underwent appendectomy had a 47% lower risk of getting colorectal cancer as compared those who did not undergo this surgery. Â
One of the researchers says, even if this research shows there is a link between appendectomy and the development of colorectal cancer, it has certain limitations as it only involved white and non-hispanic people. Also, this research was mainly focused on Fusobacterium nucleatum and colorectal cancer. But there are many other factors that can increase the risk of cancer. As the results of this study are positive, healthcare professionals should make some effective strategies to reduce this risk by suggesting appendectomy to those who are at a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Â
Reference Link:Â Â
Hidetaka Kawamura et al, Appendectomy and Long-term Colorectal Cancer Incidence, Overall and by Tumor Fusobacterium nucleatum Status, Annals of Surgery (2024). Â
