12 Organs You Could Live Without

In our body we have two types of organs, pairs and unique. We understand in pairs, those organs that we have in duplicate, such as the lungs, kidneys, eyes or ovaries, while other organs are exclusively formed in our body, such as the liver, heart or spleen.

Losing an even organ or being born directly with just one, does not prevent us from continuing to live. And the same goes for some unique organs; it is possible to go on living without them. What organs do we need to continue living?

Stomach

The stomach is also another single organ that we can lose due to any pathology that requires its removal or gastrectomy, partial or total. In case of total gastrectomy An anastomosis or junction between the esophagus and the duodenum (small intestine) is usually performed to ensure digestive transit.

The kidneys

Given the need to remove both kidneys, the kidney filtration which should be done through dialysis the rest of life. Depending on the cause that triggers the removal, it may or may not be possible to replace the diseased kidneys with a healthy kidney in Spain, in which case the patient will not need dialysis. In the event that the person born with only one kidney we will talk about a single kidney patient.

Ovaries, uterus and testicles

As they are paired organs, one of the two ovaries or testicles can be removed, even both can be removed, without endangering the life of the patient. In the case of women, the womb or uterus can also be removed. Of course in these cases the reproductive capacity will be compromised, however, it covers.

We call the removal of the ovaries oophorectomy, the testicles orchiectomy and the uterus hysterectomy.

Gallbladder

The removal of the gallbladder or cholecystectomy may be due to the appearance of colic, lithiasis or other causes that may be a alteration in metabolism of fats. The gallbladder is a single organ.

The colon or large intestine

Is a single organ which can be partially or totally removed (called a colectomy). If it is removed partially and, depending on the location of the injury, placement of a colostomy bag for him drainage of fecal material. On other occasions, the suture of the ends is possible and the colostomy bag is not necessary.

thyroid

Performing a thyroidectomy or removal of the thyroid will imply the need to perform a hormone replacement therapy for life that must be adjusted periodically in terms of the necessary dose.

The liver

It may happen that one or more segments of the liver (single organ) are injured with the consequent risk of bleeding and shock. Therefore, in the event of a liver laceration or rupture, the patient must be admitted to the intensive care unit for continued follow-up.

Lungs

We may require surgery that involves a restriction of our ventilatory capacity, that is, remove part or all of a lung. In this case the lung capacity of the patient it will be seen committed for life, but it will not stop you from living.

Spleen

Is a single organ Y his absence can mean modifying some lifestyle habits and follow therapeutic precautions, such as the administration of vaccines against frequent infections (flu, pneumococcus ...).

Its removal is known as splenectomy and it can be partial or total). It is frequent in traffic accidents or with a direct contusion on the left upper quadrant, that is, the left upper abdomen. This can pose a high risk of bleeding and risk of death.

The appendix

Is another one single organ located at the junction of the large intestine and the small intestine. Its inflammation can cause one with the consequent risk of perforation and peritonitis which may lead to the death of the patient.

The tonsils and adenoids

The tonsils are located in the throat and the adenoids behind the nose. Are unique organs, a vestige of immunoprotective lymphatic tissue that loses prominence in adults.

Brain

It is possible to remove a certain part of the brain or brain area without endangering the life of the person. However, its functions will be altered because it cannot be supplied in any way. So there will be one residual focality It will depend on the area removed.

Other removable organs and compatible with life are: the urinary bladder, wisdom teeth and body hair, also considered an organ.

Losing an organ is not an isolated event. It may happen that during the embryonic period one of the two organs does not form correctly and we are born with just one of the two paired organs (agenesis) or that a disease or pathology triggers the removal of an organ (pair or single).

The lack of a non-vital organ for life, whether single or even, means carrying out medical monitoringIn some cases and depending on the organ, it can be for life. In some cases it will be necessary to follow medical treatment and adjust the drug dose. It may also happen that it is necessary to change life habits so as not to damage the organ that remains. None of this would happen in the case of minor organs, such as the tonsils.

What you should know:

• There are paired organs that can be removed without compromising the life of the patient. Although it may be the case that you are born without one of them.
• There are also unique organs whose absence does not impede vital continuity, for example, the spleen or the gallbladder.
• And three other dispensable organs, and less vital, would be tonsils, adenoids and appendix.

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