London: A British scientific study has confirmed that appendectomy (appendix removal) may reduce the risk of ulcerative colitis relapse in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

According to Qatar News Agency, the study, published in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology journal, reported that the appendix plays a role by producing inflammatory proteins that stimulate the body to launch a series of immune responses.

Experiments conducted during the study, which included 197 adult patients who all received usual medical care, found that half of the participants who underwent appendectomy surgery had a 36 percent relapse rate after one year, compared to a 56 percent relapse rate in the usual care group.

The results also indicated a decrease in the number of patients in the appendectomy group who developed a more severe form of the disease requiring treatment with biological agents. Post-operative complications occurred in five cases within the appendectomy group, with two classified as serious. After considering individual patient risk factors, the study found that the risk of relapse was reduced by 35 percent with appendectomy.

The scientific study concluded that this reduction suggests appendectomy may be an effective additional treatment option for maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine and rectum, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. While there is no cure for the disease, its symptoms often recur and can adversely affect quality of life.