Have you ever wondered if every organ in your body is extremely essential for your life? It is easy to say that no one lives without a heart, much less without a brain, but it is indeed possible to live without some of the 78 organs that make up the human body. We advance a single example: the gallbladder.
To understand which organs, theoretically, we can live without, we need to ask ourselves: is its function vital? If so, is there anything that can replace it internally or artificially? Lastly, is it single or is it made up of a pair within the body? These three questions hold the key to understanding the limits of the body.
Before we continue, it is necessary to point out: human life being possible without a specific organ does not mean that it must be surgically removed today. The issue is that, many times, due to some illnesses, surgeries are necessary and, eventually, removals as well. However, it is common to have some problem or difficulty related to the postoperative period.
Next, check out the list of 15 organs that can be removed from the human body without “major” damage:
Gallbladder
Hidden in the abdomen and with the function of storing bile — fundamental in the digestion and absorption of fats and vitamins — for the liver, the gallbladder can be removed in cases of gallstones (the famous “stones”), something extremely painful. Even though digestion is slightly compromised, especially when a lot of fat is consumed, the digestive system will continue to function.
uterus and ovaries
Yes, people can live without their reproductive organs, but removal can have a variety of implications. When a woman has her uterus removed, she will never be able to have biological children again, but her health will remain the same. Now, if she needs to have both ovaries removed, she will immediately enter menopause. Most likely, she will need to undergo some kind of hormone therapy.
Testicles
If women can survive, men can also live without the two testicles, located in the scrotum. This surgery is known as an orchiectomy and is usually recommended for testicular cancer. Removal does not alter sexual function, but it can cause infertility — when both are removed.
Appendix
There is no doubt that we can live without the appendix, the organ long considered the most useless in the human body. Even when it becomes inflamed and the person develops appendicitis, there is a risk of death from generalized infection. At that moment, the bacteria that live in the region can proliferate throughout the body, through the blood.
tonsils
Especially in children, the tonsils, which are at the back of the throat, can literally “live” infected, as in a chronic infection, compromising health. The solution may be to remove them surgically. In the past, surgeries of this type were a rage, but currently, other solutions are being tried, as they play an important role in the immune system.
| Not so helpful note: this person here, who writes the text, has been living normally without tonsils for over 20 years. They were surgically removed at age three by an otolaryngologist after “endless” throat infections. |
Adenoids
Responsible for causing numerous problems in children, including sleepless nights, the adenoid can be removed without further damage to the individual. Known for being a “spongy meat”, it is behind the nasal cavities and above the roof of the mouth (palate). Its main function is associated with the immune system.
Stomach
It is really difficult to live without a stomach, but it is possible. Most often, removal of the organ occurs during treatment for cancer. From that moment on, the person will have permanent complications, such as always eating small meals and taking dietary supplements, including vitamin B12.
Liver
Now, we’re going to need to “steal” a little bit on that list. It is not possible to live without any part of the liver, but it is possible to donate a part of the organ while you are alive, without complications for your health. In children, the left lobe can be donated and, in adults, it is the opposite (the right).
Rins
Even more common than liver donation is the donation of kidneys by living donors. In most cases, the donor goes on with life normally, as the other kidney continues to operate. In some cases, the most frequent alteration is that the urine may contain a higher level of albumin (protein) than normal.
Spleen
Located in the abdomen, the spleen assists in the immune system by filtering the blood and retaining dead cells. With that in mind, the person who removes the organ must always be aware of possible infections and have their vaccination card up to date, because their defenses are weakened. After removal, it is common to take antibiotics for long periods until the body stabilizes again.
pancreas
Again, in some cases of cancer, complete removal of the pancreas may be necessary. Then, it will be necessary to make some adaptations, permanently, for the person to maintain their health. For example, the organ is responsible for producing insulin and, without it, the individual develops diabetes. So insulin injections need to be done regularly.
Lungs
Having at least one lung is essential for life, but eventually losing one of them will not be fatal. Only, to be honest, the person will have breathing difficulties to some degree. For example, the breath for exercising may be less, but you will still be able to do all your activities. Among the most common causes for removal are cancer and infections.
intestine and bladder
As a result of some cancers too, the colon, small intestine or even the bladder can be surgically removed, in whole or in part. Now, the consequences of the surgery will vary for each medical condition. In some circumstances, the patient will have an ileostomy (surgery that opens the abdomen) and will need to learn to live with a colostomy bag. But this is very variable.
With how many less organs can we stay alive?
In theory and considering the organs listed on our list, it is possible to say that women can live without 14 of the 78 organs that make up the human body. Among men, the list drops to 13. So, the minimum number necessary for human life is 64. However, this is not a real figure, since without so many organs, a person is bound to develop numerous health problems, including some unknown, and would hardly have a good quality of life.
Source: IFL Science e MedicineNet
