The appendix, also known as the vermiform appendix, is a long, slender, and curved blind tube.

It is located in the lower right abdomen, positioned between the cecum and the ileum, with its base connected to the posteromedial wall of the cecum, and its distal end free and closed.

The average length of an adult appendix is between seven to nine centimeters.

When the appendix becomes obstructed or infected, it can lead to appendicitis.

About one in twenty people suffer from appendicitis, a condition where inflammation of the appendix causes severe abdominal pain.

If left untreated, there is a risk of the appendix rupturing, which can be life-threatening, and the main treatment is surgical removal of the appendix.

In the past, the appendix was once considered a vestigial organ from human evolution.

It was thought to have no important physiological function and posed a hidden risk of appendicitis, leading many families to opt for appendectomy for newborns.

However, modern medical research has shown that the appendix is not entirely useless.

It plays some unexpectedly beneficial roles.

For instance, modern medical studies demonstrate that the appendix contains abundant lymphoid tissue and participates in immune functions.

The lymphoid tissue of the appendix can promote the growth and proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria.

This research indicates that the appendix is not entirely useless and is part of a larger, more complex human ecological system.

Of course, those who have had an appendectomy due to appendicitis or other reasons need not worry.

Countless surgical cases have proven that removing the appendix does not cause significant adverse effects on the body.

After reviewing the case data of the newborn with congenital esophageal atresia provided by Xiang Rong, Lin Jie thought of a new use for the appendix.

The appendix could be used to repair the defective esophagus of this newborn who underwent a failed surgery.

The typical external diameter of the appendix is between 0.5 to 1 centimeter; its internal diameter is even narrower, about 0.2 centimeters when at rest.

However, the appendix of infants is funnel-shaped with a wide base.

Thus, fecal matter can enter and exit the appendix more easily, reducing the risk of obstruction, which is why infants rarely develop appendicitis.

So, the internal diameter of an infant's appendix is quite considerable, and its extensibility is also very good.

Most importantly, the inner wall of the appendix has mucous membranes that can secrete fluids, providing excellent lubrication for food and effectively acting like a segment of the esophagus.

Lin Jie also thought that the appendix, with its complete inner circular and outer longitudinal muscles, has a certain length and lumen that might be used for transplanting or repairing certain human ducts.

Such as the ureter, fallopian tube, bile duct, pancreatic duct…

Seeing Lin Jie holding some documents and remaining motionless as if in a deep state of reflection, the experienced Xiang Rong immediately gestured for Jian Jia and Guan Muhua to stay quiet.

Subsequently, the three of them sat silently, their eyes gazing intently at Lin Jie.

After what seemed like half an hour, they watched as Lin Jie's body suddenly moved, as if awakening from a deep slumber, his once vacant eyes filled with brightness again.

Seeing Lin Jie regain his clarity, Xiang Rong eagerly asked, "Expert Lin, did you come up with another brilliant concept?"

Lin Jie humbly responded, "There aren't that many genius ideas."

"I only thought of a surgical approach for autologous organ transplantation, but its feasibility still needs to be verified through experiments and surgery."

Xiang Rong understood that necessary confidentiality is required before research results are confirmed.

He did not press further but requested, "Expert Lin, I won't ask about your recent inspiration, but once your research results are out, please ensure the paper is published in ."

Lin Jie nodded and said, "That's not a problem."

With Lin Jie's assurance, Xiang Rong felt much more reassured and asked, "Expert Lin, about the infant? What do you think?"

Lin Jie handed the medical records to Jian Jia and said, "This infant's body is too weak, weighing just over three kilograms. Undergoing a second surgery immediately would be a heavy burden and might be too much for him to bear."

"Editor Xiang, please inform the infant's parents to raise the child's weight to four kilograms before bringing him to the Affiliated Hospital to see me."

"Coincidentally, I need to make a trip to Germany during this time and won't be back until the week after next."

With that, Lin Jie took a sip of tea, frowned slightly, and said in puzzlement, "Huh, why has the tea suddenly turned cold…"

Jian Jia quickly got up, while replacing Lin Jie's tea and water, excitedly said, "Dr. Lin, it's been over half an hour. I always thought the so-called sudden enlightenment and selfless states described in novels were fictional."

"I didn't expect to see such a thing happen before my very eyes."

"Dr. Lin, you just entered a state of selflessness."

"You are truly amazing, I admire you so much."

Lin Jie understood and realized that he had spent a considerable amount of time immersed in his thoughts.

He took a small sip of hot tea and casually laughed, "Impressive about what?"

"I didn't suddenly gain great power like in novels, nor did I mutate into a Super Saiyan or anything. I'm still me, just focused on thinking about a problem."

"But you've definitely come up with a genius idea, a great method that can benefit many patients."

Xiang Rong also said excitedly, "I'm really looking forward to seeing the thesis of your research findings, Expert Lin. This inspiration was born right under my eyes; it's quite meaningful."

Lin Jie explained, "Chief Editor Xiang, don't set your expectations too high. I've just thought of a topic for a master's thesis."

Xiang Rong didn't believe him at all and insisted, "Anything produced by Expert Lin must be top quality!"

Seeing him like this, Lin Jie didn't bother explaining further.

After lunch, Xiang Rong completed the special interview and gladly took his leave after receiving Lin Jie's permission to proceed with the surgery.

As soon as he returned to the office, Lin Jie asked Jian Jia to call Fang Huanru, Lu Xiaoyu, and Wei Hongyang, telling them to come to the office when convenient in the afternoon.

A few minutes later, Fang Huanru was the first to burst in energetically.

"Teacher, I'm here and ready at all times."

"If there's any important task or complex work, just say the word, and I promise to complete it perfectly."

Lin Jie looked at Fang Huanru, who was panting heavily, her chest rising and falling, her cheeks flushed, and asked amused, "Did you run all the way here? That eager?"

"Of course."

Fang Huanru said with a tone of grievance, "Lately, the patients you have been handling, Teacher, either have neurological issues or are in orthopedics. We students in general surgery are just getting anxious."

"This time, I heard from Assistant Jian that you also summoned Junior Sister Lu and Junior Brother Wei. They, like me, are all in general surgery."

"Hey, Teacher, you must have taken on a general surgery patient this time, right?"

Lin Jie didn't respond directly and asked, "Have you ever written something like a project application before?"

Fang Huanru nodded and said, "I have. I've written them when applying for projects and have also helped my father write them."

"Teacher, do you have a new research project?"

Lin Jie laughed, "Sort of, a small project to write my master's thesis."

Next, he told her about a newborn with congenital esophageal atresia he was going to treat using the appendix, and also his idea of using the appendix to replace or join certain ureters, fallopian tubes, bile ducts, and pancreatic ducts to treat related diseases, explaining it roughly to Fang Huanru.

Fang Huanru listened silently, her eyes widening, and her breathing quickening, "Whoa... whoa... this really has the potential to work."

After exclaiming a few swear words, she excitedly said, "Teacher, how did you come up with this idea? I've always thought of the appendix as a useless, redundant existence."

"With your insight, Teacher, it turns out it can play so many roles."

"You could say it's like a naturally available organ transplant spare part."

Lin Jie said somewhat proudly, "I've carefully considered this idea of appendectomy as an alternative; theoretically, it's feasible. Now what's needed is to conduct animal trials and human trials."

"You write a project application for me to apply for funding from the Health Commission's 'Hundred Talents Program' research support fund."

"Also, lead Lu Xiaoyu and Wei Hongyang to start animal trials. After I return from Germany, we'll decide whether to proceed with human trials based on the results of the animal experiments."

Fang Huanru playfully straightened up, saluted, and shouted, "Teacher, mission guaranteed to be completed!"

Lin Jie looked at her and asked, amused, "You're particularly lively and excited today. Did something good happen?"

"Did you fall in love?"

"No, I'm still waiting for the heavens to drop a boyfriend into my lap!"

Fang Huanru chuckled and explained, "I'm mostly inspired by your research project, Teacher. Finally, I can make full use of my skills under your guidance!"

Lin Jie scrutinized her for a moment in disbelief and said, "If you don't want to tell me, I won't ask."

"But I'll remind you, as you must have heard from Xiao Ganghao."

"I only handle your medical issues; don't bother me with personal matters."

Fang Huanru grinned, "We wouldn't dare to trouble you with personal issues, Teacher. But if there's something really difficult, we're always welcome to seek your help, right?"

Lin Jie snorted softly and rolled his eyes at her.

At this time, Lu Xiaoyu and Wei Hongyang arrived as well.

Lin Jie briefly explained the idea of multi-use appendectomy to them and instructed them to assist Fang Huanru with the animal trials during this period...

In the evening, as Lin Jie was about to go home, an unexpected visitor, Slophel, arrived.

Seeing his travel-worn appearance, Lin Jie joked, "What important patient made you fly half the world to find me? Surely it's not the President of the United States?"

Slophel said softly, "Expert Lin, I flew here this time as a mediator."

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