Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/yiNPfnT5xXA A study of 62 million persons in 26 US health systems shows that those who had an appendectomy for any reason were three times more likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease.  These results are being presented at the Digestive Disease Week 2019 meeting this month. This study represents yet another link between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain.  This is only an association, and further investigations must reveal the how and why appendectomy could affect the development of Parkinson’s Disease.  This data is ammunition for those who recommend a conservative approach to appendicitis using antibiotics and dietary modification.  It is also food for thought before undergoing a prophylactic appendectomy if you are having other abdominal surgery.  Until we know more, if you can, hold on to your appendix. Digestive Disease Week. "Appendix removal associated with development of Parkinson's disease: Data from 62 million records explores relationship between the gut and the nervo