Prophylactic appendectomy in the heart?

Incidental appendectomy during other abdominal surgeries has been a relatively common practice supported by the high lifetime risk of appendicitis of 6% to 9% and the low procedural risk.1,2 The appendage in the heart may matter more. Although the left atrial appendage (LAA) is known to have booster and some endocrine functions, it is also the most common thromboembolic source once atrial fibrillation (AF) has occurred. On average, AF seems to occur more frequently than appendicitis during one's lifetime, with the prevalence of AF reaching around 10% around the age of 70  years and climbing even higher afterward.
Source: The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: Editorial commentary Source Type: research