The human body can adapt and function even after organs are removed, fully or partially. Modern medicine allows individuals to live full lives after such surgeries, demonstrating the body’s capacity for compensation.
Organs You Can Live Without
Several organs can be entirely removed from the body without immediately threatening an individual’s life. The gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver, stores bile that aids in fat digestion. Its removal, known as a cholecystectomy, means bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine, and most individuals adapt well. The appendix, a small pouch extending from the large intestine, is often removed (appendectomy) with no long-term impact.
The spleen, located in the upper left abdomen, filters blood, fights infections, and stores blood cells. After a splenectomy, the liver and bone marrow assume many of its roles, but there is an increased risk of infection. Kidneys filter waste and produce hormones; one kidney can adequately perform the functions of both. Tonsils and adenoids, part of the immune system in the throat and nasal cavity, are often removed without long-term health consequences.
Reproductive organs such as the uterus (hysterectomy), ovaries (oophorectomy), or testes (orchiectomy) can be removed, and while this affects reproductive capacity and hormone production, individuals can survive. The stomach, which stores and begins to digest food, can also be entirely removed in a total gastrectomy, necessitating significant and permanent dietary modifications. Similarly, the bladder, which stores urine, can be removed (cystectomy), requiring an alternative pathway for urine excretion.
Organs That Can Be Partially Removed
Some organs, despite their vital roles, can continue to function effectively even after a portion has been surgically removed. The liver is notable for its regenerative capacity; a partial hepatectomy allows the remaining liver tissue to regrow and restore its original mass and function within a few months. The lungs, essential for respiration, can undergo partial removal. The remaining lung tissue can expand and compensate for some of the lost capacity.
The stomach can also be partially removed, leaving a functional portion to continue its digestive role. Similarly, sections of the small or large intestines can be removed in a bowel resection due to disease or damage. The remaining healthy ends are then reconnected, and the digestive system typically adapts to the altered length. The pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin, can undergo partial removal, with the remaining pancreatic tissue continuing to perform its functions. In some cases, a partial thyroidectomy may be performed, leaving enough thyroid tissue to produce hormones, though hormone replacement might still be required.
When Organ Removal Becomes Necessary
Organ removal is typically necessary due to conditions that threaten health or life. Severe infections are common reasons, such as appendicitis or cholecystitis. Cancer is a frequent cause for surgical intervention, involving tumor resection to remove all or part of a cancerous organ, often alongside surrounding healthy tissue. Traumatic injuries can also lead to organ removal, such as a ruptured spleen or significant damage to a kidney or section of the bowel.
Organ failure or chronic diseases that render an organ non-functional or dangerous are other indications. Examples include severe kidney failure or chronic conditions like severe ulcerative colitis that may necessitate colectomy. These interventions are performed when less invasive treatments are insufficient to manage the condition.
Life After Organ Removal
Life after organ removal often involves a period of adjustment as the body compensates for the absence or reduction of the organ. Following a splenectomy, the liver and bone marrow assume many of the spleen’s functions, although individuals may face an increased susceptibility to certain infections. For those who have undergone partial lung removal, the remaining lung tissue often expands to compensate, and the body adapts to the reduced respiratory capacity.
Dietary adjustments are common, particularly after the removal of the gallbladder or stomach. Individuals who have had a gastrectomy typically need to eat smaller, more frequent meals and may need to avoid certain foods to manage digestion. Similarly, after gallbladder removal, some people may experience digestive changes, often managed through dietary modifications. In cases where organs like the thyroid or pancreas are fully removed, lifelong medication, such as hormone replacement therapy or insulin and digestive enzyme supplements, becomes necessary to maintain bodily functions. Regular medical follow-up is important to monitor health and manage any long-term implications, ensuring continued well-being.