The appendix has long been dismissed as an organ that has outlived its usefulness in human evolution. But new research suggests it may play an active — and detrimental — role in the development of ...

The human appendix is a small, muscular, vermiform or worm-shaped organ, averaging around 9cm in length, that is located at the junction of the small and large intestine. 1 According to comparative ...

Each year, about 300,000 Americans have surgery to remove their appendix, but a new study suggests many of these people may not need to go under the knife. Instead, their condition could be safely ...

Appendicitis is not an inherited condition, but genetics may play a role. However, the cause of appendicitis is often unclear. Appendicitis refers to inflammation of the appendix. An infection may ...

It was the first day of spring break in 1992 in Phoenix, and 12-year-old Heather Smith was excited for her family's upcoming ski trip. But before Smith and her family had even packed their snow pants, ...

Treatment with antibiotics alone can be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis, according to a new study. The study was led by Dr. Peter Minneci ...

It is too early to change the standard treatment of appendicitis in US adults to initial antibiotic therapy only, rather than surgical removal of the appendix, or appendectomy, authors of a new ...

(CNN) — Surgery to remove the appendix, called appendectomy, is the go-to treatment for patients with appendicitis and is one of the most common surgical procedures in the U.S. However, antibiotic ...

The GI tract is a complex group of organs, each of which helps your body digest and absorb food. Your upper GI tract includes your esophagus, stomach, and the first section of your small intestine, ...