by Long Island Attorney Paul A. Lauto, Esq.
If it is true that fish have to swim and birds have to fly, is it also true that surgeons have to operate? After all, surgeons are licensed to operate and surgery is how they make a significant portion of their money. But medical science has a history of contradicting itself, as evidenced when yesterday’s “should do” becomes today’s “should not do.” As a result, many people rightfully question the need for recommended surgeries.
Case and point are the estimated over 300,000 appendectomies performed each year in the United States. Medical wisdom has long dictated that an inflamed appendix should often be surgically removed, as evolution has rendered it useless and with no current day purpose. However, medical science in its infinite wisdom has now declared that the appendix does have a current day purpose after all. It is now widely believed that the appendix serves as a safe house for good bacteria. Further, that the appendix will help keep one healthy by replenishing gut flora after an intestinal related illness. So are all of these appendectomies needed?
According to a recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Association, the answer is no approximately 75% of the time. Dr. Paulina Salminen who headed the study, concluded that “The majority of appendicitis is the milder form, making up almost 80 percent of the cases of appendicitis.” In such cases, the study found that a simple course of antibiotics could effectively remedy the problem without any need for surgery.
Read the full article at http://www.liattorney.com/scales-of-justice/licensed-to-operate
