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The human body works like a well-oiled machine. And although each element has a specific function, we can survive without some organs. Find out at what cost.
1. The spleen
Its shape resembles orange particles joined together and is located in the abdominal cavity, in the left hypochondrium between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth ribs. It is part of the lymphatic system and its main job is to produce immunoglobulins. The spleen is also a site for removing unnecessary erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes. Additionally, it stores blood.
Most often, doctors remove the spleen for hematological reasons – in people suffering from the so-called thrombocytopenia, prone to life-threatening haemorrhages. Surgery usually dramatically improves the condition of patients – primarily because they no longer have the organ to destroy old platelets and produce anti-platelet antibodies. Another indication for splenectomy (spleen removal surgery) is traumatic rupture of the spleen, resulting in bleeding, sometimes life-threatening. The spleenless patient can live a normal life, but his immunity is lowered and his circulatory system works worse.
2. Gall bladder
Its shape resembles a pear-shaped sac, and it lies under the liver. The main function of the gallbladder is to store and thicken the bile needed for the digestion of fats. Cholecystectomy, i.e. removal of the follicle, is one of the most common abdominal surgery, similar to the removal of the appendix. The gallbladder is removed when it becomes acutely inflamed, usually caused by untreated gallstones.
After surgery, it is very important to follow an easily digestible, low-fat diet. It’s best to eat 5-6 meals a day at fixed times. Boiled or stewed dishes are recommended. The new menu should include: low-fat dairy products, graham bread, groats and pasta.
3. Kidneys
They resemble beans and are located on both sides of the spine, behind the stomach and under the liver. They play very important functions in our body: excretory, regulatory and endocrine (hormone production and degradation). In some situations, doctors decide to have a nephrectomy, which is surgery to remove the kidney. The most common indications for surgery are malignant neoplasm of the kidney, mechanical injuries of the kidney that prevent its reconstruction, disturbance of kidney function as a result of impaired blood supply – kidney ischemia or infarction, advanced hydronephrosis and pyonephrosis, some cases of kidney cirrhosis, and renal tuberculosis.
Nephrectomy is also performed to retrieve an organ for transplantation. If the second kidney is healthy, nephrectomy does not disturb urine production and does not impair the patient’s physical function. However, it is necessary to lead a healthy, sparing lifestyle and follow a proper diet.
The situation is different if the patient has previously suffered from kidney diseases or has congenital defects in their structure. It happens that the second kidney has previously been operated and partially excised. In such cases, the patient may be at risk of renal failure and the need to undergo dialysis with the target search for the kidney for transplantation.
4. Stomach
It is a hook-shaped muscle sac located in the abdomen, on the left side of the body under the ribs. It can hold up to three liters of fluid, and the most important function of the stomach is to pre-digest proteins and fats. Although it is an extremely important part of the digestive system, we can live without it.
Stomach resection gastrectomy is performed in the case of: gastric cancer, less often peptic ulcer disease (if pharmacological treatment is ineffective) and grade III obesity (bariatric surgery).
Life after total or partial gastrectomy requires a lot of sacrifice from the patient and changes in existing habits. The post-gastrectomy diet should consist of small portions of your regular meals. Legumes, cabbage, spicy spices, as well as coffee, black tea and alcohol should be excluded from the menu.
5. Kernels
The testicle is a paired organ that belongs to the male reproductive system. It has an oval, slightly flattened shape. The main function of the testes is the production of sperm (spermatogenesis) and sex hormones, including testosterone and other androgens. The operation to amputate the testicle (sometimes both testicles) is called an orchiectomy.
Testicular cancer is the most common indication. Male gonads are also removed in the case of prostate cancer, breast cancer, testicular injuries, inflammation, testicular torsion, and cryptorchidism (a congenital testicular defect). Bilateral radical orchiectomy is performed on patients undergoing sex reassignment surgery. As a rule, there is a need for unilateral amputation, which allows the other gland to be fully functional. Thanks to this, the man does not lose fertility and has fully preserved sexual functions.
Due to cosmetic indications, it is possible to place a prosthesis in the scrotum, which perfectly imitates a real testicle and is practically impossible to distinguish without palpation. The consequence of bilateral amputation (castration) is infertility and hormonal disorders (weight gain, decreased libido).
6. Uterus
It is a small organ resembling a flattened pear. It is necessary for reproduction – this is where the fertilized egg nests, the fetus develops, and then the muscles of the uterus are involved in bringing the baby into the world. The procedure for removing it is called a hysterectomy.
The most common indication for surgery is multiple, enlarging fibroids, which cause severe pain and heavy menstruation. In elderly women, the cause of the procedure is sometimes lowering and sometimes prolapse of the reproductive organ, which is caused by the relaxation and weakening of the pelvic floor muscles.
The uterus is also removed for endometrial cancer, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer if it is suspected that it has metastasized into the uterus. If you had menstruation before your hysterectomy, you will not have menstruation after hysterectomy, but your ovaries will continue to produce oestrogens, so you won’t get premature menstruation.
The consequences of removing the uterus and appendages may be more serious for the body. A menstruating woman begins to experience unpleasant symptoms characteristic of the menstrual cycle after the procedure. In such cases, doctors suggest starting hormone replacement therapy shortly after surgery.
Stress urinary incontinence may be a distant consequence of the removal of the uterus. The loss of an organ that is a symbol of femininity and the possibility of procreation also brings with it problems of a psychological nature.
7. The appendix
The appendix is a blind tube that extends from the cecum (part of the large intestine) that is usually above the right iliac plate. It enabled our ancestors to digest cellulose, in our case it plays an important role in the immune system – it serves as a reservoir for beneficial intestinal bacteria.
An indication for the removal of the appendix, i.e. appendectomy is acute appendicitis. It is an abdominal disease caused by the retention of food content in the appendix. As a result, the clogging of the appendix causes an increase in pressure and impaired blood circulation within it. Later on, tissue necrosis may appear.
Acute appendicitis occurs in 7-10 percent. population and most often appears in the second and third decades of life. People after appendectomy recover longer after an illness, especially one in which the beneficial intestinal bacteria have been flushed out of the body.
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