Grace Burns

So definitely ring our helpline.

Thank you so much for having me.

On ABC Radio National, you're with The Health Report.

So Andrew has written in in response to a comment that you said about having your appendix removed.

Okay.

Andrew writes, I was enjoying the latest episode when the issue came up of whether or not to have your appendix removed if you experience appendicitis.

I was surprised that Norman said he'd hold a gun to the surgeon's head until he or she removed it, presumably without using general anaesthetic.

I actually agree with you, though, Andrew.

I was surprised when my husband, who's a surgeon, went, oh, I'm surprised Norman said it like that.

So here we go.

What about the role that it's now known to play in supporting the immune system, as well as housing good bacteria to help recolonise the gut after severe intestinal infections?

I had my appendix out many years ago and still worry every time I need antibiotics, it'll be harder to restore my gut microbiome.

What are your thoughts?

Cheers, Andrew.

The T and B cells live.

That's where they live.

So you don't just want to chuck it out willy-nilly?

No.

No?

So you may need to rethink your approach here, Norman Swan, is what everyone's saying.