After the Appendix Is Gone

A long-term pediatric cohort study raises new questions about gut immunity following appendectomy.

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1

Children who undergo appendectomy may have a higher long-term risk of nontyphoidal Salmonella infection.
2

The study involved 18,654 pediatric patients who had appendectomies and 74,616 matched controls.
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Patients younger than 5 years had about twice the likelihood of developing NTS compared to controls.
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The appendix is recognized for its role in gut immunity and as a reservoir for commensal microbiota.
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Findings suggest a need for surveillance and preventive strategies in children post-appendectomy.