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There are cases in which the doctor can recommend surgery to remove an organ. There are organs with important functions without which we live, but not like before their removal. More recently, tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils) and appendectomy have become „fashionable” procedures, preventive not curative. If the removal of an organ is not necessary due to medical reasons, do not give up what you have received from nature. Here are 5 organs we can live without:

AppendixThe appendix (Vermiform appendix) is a blind-ended tube attached to the large intestine and located in the lower right area of the abdomen. It appears to be vestigial, although some doctors have suggested that this organ has an immune function, protecting bacteria that are beneficial in the function of the colon. In most cases the appendix is removed during childhood. The surgical removal of the vermiform appendix is called an appendectomy and is normally performed when the patient is suffering from acute appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix). Untreated, appendicitis can lead to peritonitis and it can be deadly. Without the appendix life does not change dramatically, you just need strengthen your immune system through a healthy lifestyle.

GallbladderThe gallbladder is connected to the liver by the hepatic duct and is an organ that stores and concentrates bile(digestive liquid secreted by the liver). The gallbladder sends to the intestine, between meals, substances secreted by the liver that are necessary to digestion. The surgery to remove the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy. The most common reason for a cholecystectomy are gallstones that are formed when substances contained in bile crystallizes in the gallbladder. Over 70% of people with gallstones never know they have them and never experience any symptoms (pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, migraines, dizziness, gas,etc…), but when you are affected by gallstones, removal is usually recommended. Following the extirpation, since gallbladder can't store bile, the bile goes to the intestine, thus slowing the digestion process. Usually it is necessary to follow a strict diet.

SpleenThe spleen is located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen below the diaphragm and protected under the lower left ribs. It is an important organ: it filters blood and removes damaged red blood cells, bacteria, and produces lymphocytes (white blood cells that produce antibodies and assist immune system); it is also very sensitive. The spleen is is a small organ about the size of a small orange, but it can enlarge due to infections, cancers, splenic vein blockage, diseases that result in abnormal red cells (Sickle cell disease, thalassemia, spherocytosis) and metabolic diseases (Niemann-Pick disease, Gaucher's disease, Hurler syndrome).The surgical procedure that removes the spleen is called splenectomy. After removal there is a greater risk of infection and/or cardiovascular disease.

ThyroidThe thyroid or thyroid gland is located on the front part of the neck below the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple) and is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body. It stores hormones that help regulate the rate at which food is converted into energy, the heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. The surgical removal of the thyroid is called thyroidectomy and is usually performed when a patient has a thyroid condition (hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, Graves' disease ) or for cosmetic reasons. After extirpation treatment with thyroid hormones is required for the rest of the patient's life. The treatment is necessary as hypothyroidism (deficiency of thyroid hormone) appears after the removal and can cause serious complications.

TonsilsTonsils are clumps of tissue on both sides of the throat embedded in a pocket at the side of the palate. The tonsils are part of the immune system's security barrier, and are very effective, particularly against pathogens that are inhaled or swallowed. When they become enlarged or inflamed (tonsillitis) they can be surgically removed in tonsillectomy. Although a relatively simple procedure, tonsillectomy has a 2% to 4% morbidity rate due to post-operative bleeding . When you no longer have tonsils, there is a risk that viruses can penetrate easily within the respiratory system and cause the occurrence of serious diseases such as lung diseases. Tonsillectomy in adults can be more painful than in children, and in some cases a change in voice can be observed.