Appendix - Unnecessary Appendage? The appendix, long thought to be a useless appendage dangling from the large intestine, may serve a purpose after all. Scientists at Duke University Medical Center now believe that the appendix houses and protects many of the so-called "good" intestinal bacteria, which aid in digestion and immunity. When severe illness, such as amebic dysentery or cholera, strips the intestines of these important bacteria, the appendix will replenish their supply. Nevertheless, doctors still recommend removing the appendix when it becomes inflamed. A ruptured appendix can cause serious infection or death. Each year, over 300,000 Americans check into the hospital with appendicitis and 300-400 die from the ailment.