Management of Acute Appendicitis in Pregnancy

Background: Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical nonobstetric pathology during pregnancy. In this report pregnant patients operated with diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the last 3 years are evaluated retrospectively.
Methods: Between January 2009 and January 2011, 20 pregnant patients were operated for acute appendicitis. Patients were evaluated regarding age, gestational age, clinical and laboratory examinations, imaging studies, operative findings, mean hospital stay, mean operative time and outcome.
Results: In 17 of 20 patients acute appendicitis was confirmed and appendectomy was performed. Ten of patients were operated with laparoscopic technique and remaining ten had open appendectomy. There was no fetal or maternal morbidity and mortality in any patient. All 20 patients delivered healthy babies on the postoperative course.
Conclusion: Acute appendicitis is a challenging diagnosis in pregnant patient, however early surgical intervention should be performed with any suspect. Type of surgery depends on the surgeon’s choice and experience.