Safety and efficacy of laparoscopic appendectomy in pregnant females

Abstract

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy is contraindicated absolutely or relatively through the last decade; however, laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is still performed in pregnant women. Materials and methods: Thirty-one pregnant females with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis and managed with LA or OA in the emergency unit of the department of general surgery from June 2015 to December 2017. Results: Eighteen patients underwent LA, while 13 patients underwent OA. No difference was noticed between both groups regarding the operative duration, and fetal and maternal outcomes. However, the group of LA had faster first flatus and shorter inpatient duration than the OA group. Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendectomy is distinguished with efficacy and safety procedure throughout pregnancy and should be considered a good replacement for open appendectomy.