Issues in Management of Acute Appendicitis in Pregnancy

Acute appendicitis is an infrequent yet the commonestsurgical emergency in pregnancy occurring in about1:1500 pregnancies. The classical abdominal pain in theright lower quadrant of the abdomen is the only reliableclinical sign. Delay in diagnosis is attributed to presenceof symptoms commonly seen in pregnancy like nauseaand vomiting and difficulty in localizing abdominal paindue to displacement of the appendix with advancinggestation. Perforated appendix and generalizedperitonitis impacts adversely on pregnancy contributingto increases in miscarriage, pre-term delivery, fetalloss and even maternal mortality. Imaging studieslike abdominal ultrasonogram, helical computerizedtomography and magnetic imaging have been utilizedto complement clinical suspicion and decrease ‘negativeappendectomies’ but robust data on their routine use isawaited. Although the laparoscopic approach is a usefuldiagnostic and therapeutic tool in early pregnancy, itsuse as the primary approach for appendicectomy inpregnancy requires further evaluation as increases inthe incidence of fetal loss of 5.6% has been reportedcompared to 3.1% in open access surgery.