Appendicitis during pregnancy: Prevalence and management at Prince Hashem Ben Al-Hussein Hospital, Zarqa, Jordan

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical picture and outcome of suspected appendicitis in pregnant women. Patients and Method This retrospective analytic study of 28 appendectomies performed during pregnancy for suspected appendicitis was carried out at Prince Hashem Ben Al-Hussein Hospital, Jordanian Royal Medical Services, Jordan from April 2004 to September 2006. Medical records of these patients were reviewed for variables including demographic, clinical, laboratory and surgical outcomes. Prevalence of appendicitis was determined. Final diagnosis, perinatal outcome, maternal morbidity and different variables in negative and positive laparotomies were noted. Results The prevalence of suspected appendicitis in pregnancy was 0.29%. Incidence of negative laparotomies was 36%. The most diagnostic features of acute appendicitis were history of periumbilical pain, anorexia and right iliac fossa findings. Conclusion The prevalence of suspected appendicitis during pregnancy was higher than reported and negative laparotomies were high. Good clinical assessment with adjunct ultrasonic examination could reduce the incidence of negative laparotomies.