Unexpected Appendectomy Shocks Woman During Routine Surgery
A young woman named Bella is speaking out about a shocking medical experience that left her questioning the boundaries of informed consent. Bella underwent endometriosis surgery earlier this year, a procedure she had undergone before due to the painful condition. However, upon waking from surgery, she learned that her doctors had removed her appendix, an organ she believed to be perfectly healthy.
"You know what’s crazy?" Bella shared in a viral TikTok video. "I had endometriosis surgery, and I woke up, and they said, ‘Hey, we took your appendix.’"
The doctors assured Bella that her appendix showed no signs of disease but explained they removed it to rule out future appendicitis in case she experienced more pelvic pain. However, Bella claims she never explicitly consented to the removal, expressing her disbelief in the video: "So you took my whole-a** organ that was healthy and totally normal just so that someone will believe me in the future?"
Bella’s experience is not an isolated incident.
Earlier this year, 70-year-old William Bryan tragically died after doctors mistakenly removed his liver instead of his spleen during emergency surgery. And last year, 72-year-old George Piano experienced severe complications when doctors removed a portion of his large intestine instead of his appendix during a planned appendectomy.
Bella’s surgery documents mention "laparoscopic appendectomy," a procedure she claims she never agreed to, though she did sign off on allowing for the removal of other organs if endometriosis had spread.
"So no, I did not sign off on this," Bella stated firmly.
While laparoscopic appendectomy is a common procedure, the removal of an entirely healthy appendix raises serious questions about communication and informed consent in surgical settings.
The appendix, once considered a vestigial organ, has recently been shown to play a role in maintaining healthy gut bacteria. Recent research suggests it acts as a "natural reserve" for beneficial bacteria, contributing to overall gut health and potentially protecting against infections.
Bella’s story resonated with many on social media, sparking a flurry of comments.
"But why would they not tell you beforehand that they were going to remove it?" one viewer questioned, reflecting the sentiment of disbelief.
Another user, Marianna, shared her own experience: "As someone with no appendix…they don’t believe you later either…hope this helps."
Ashlee Roberts voiced her concern: "I would have agreed to this, but how are you not going to even tell me first?!"
Bella’s case highlights the importance of clear communication between doctors and patients, ensuring that procedures and potential risks are fully understood before surgery.
Bella, 23, pictured here, underwent surgery for her endometriosis earlier this year. However, doctors removed her appendix as well without telling her until after
