Moustafa Hassan, MD (photo by Jim Howe) Moustafa Hassan, MD (photo by Jim Howe) For centuries, it was seen as a useless organ, but the appendix is now believed to play a role in the body's immune system -- and For centuries, it was seen as a useless organ, but the appendix is now believed to play a role in the body's immune system -- and many doctors and patients are thinking twice before having the organ removed many doctors and patients are thinking twice before having the organ removed. Sometimes, when the appendix becomes inflamed, surgery is still recommended. Upstate surgeon. Sometimes, when the appendix becomes inflamed, surgery is still recommended. Upstate surgeon Moustafa Hassan, MD Moustafa Hassan, MD, who specializes in acute care surgery, explains how that is accomplished and what to consider before the operation., who specializes in acute care surgery, explains how that is accomplished and what to consider before the operation.