Acute Appendicitis During Pregnancy: No Place for Maybe

Abstract

Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal non-obstetrical emergency in pregnant women;its management however is supported by a low level of evidence. The main objective of this studywas to evaluate the clinical management of pregnant women with acute appendicitis.We havereviewed the hospital database selecting the pregnant women with acute appendicitis managed inthe last 24 months. 8 appendectomies were performed in pregnant women. Mean age was 27.2±6.1years. All patients had a history of right lower abdominal pain of 36 hours or less. Generalanesthesia was used in 12.5% of cases and spinal anesthesia in the remaining of cases. In all casesappendectomy was performed through a McBurney’s incision with a mean operating time of 36.25minutes. There was no maternal or fetal mortality.The diagnosis of acute appendicitis ischallenging in pregnant women. A prompt, but a non-negative appendectomy should always beaimed, and no unecessary risks should be taken.