BACKGROUND: In pregnant women, a high negative appendectomy (NA) rate often is reported; however, the outcome of pregnancy after a NA is not well studied. METHODS: Among 1,696 consecutive patients (728 men and 968 women) who underwent an appendectomy at our institution (1996-2005), 87 pregnant women were identified. Postoperative surgical and obstetric outcomes were analyzed based on the final pathologic report of the appendix (normal appendix, inflamed, or perforated). RESULTS: The NA rate was significantly higher in pregnant women compared with nonpregnant women (36% vs 14%; P < .05). The fetal demise rate was similar between the NA group and the inflamed group (3% vs 2%; P = NS), and highest (14%) in the perforated group, although this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .3). Wound infections were most frequent in the perforated group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: NA during pregnancy is not free of risk to the fetus. We recommend careful assessment to avoid unnecessary exploration when appendicitis is suspected in pregnant women.
BACKGROUND: In pregnant women, a high negative appendectomy (NA) rate often is reported; however, the outcome of pregnancy after a NA is not well studied. METHODS: Among 1,696 consecutive patients (728 men and 968 women) who underwent an appendectomy at our institution (1996-2005), 87 pregnant women were identified. Postoperative surgical and obstetric outcomes were analyzed based on the final pathologic report of the appendix (normal appendix, inflamed, or perforated). RESULTS: The NA rate was significantly higher in pregnant women compared with nonpregnant women (36% vs 14%; P < .05). The fetal demise rate was similar between the NA group and the inflamed group (3% vs 2%; P = NS), and highest (14%) in the perforated group, although this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .3). Wound infections were most frequent in the perforated group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: NA during pregnancy is not free of risk to the fetus. We recommend careful assessment to avoid unnecessary exploration when appendicitis is suspected in pregnant women.
Authors: T C Cox; C R Huntington; L J Blair; T Prasad; A E Lincourt; V A Augenstein; B T Heniford Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2015-06-20 Impact factor: 4.584
Authors: Frederick T Drake; Meera Kotagal; LaVone E Simmons; Zoe Parr; Manjiri K Dighe; David R Flum Journal: J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med Date: 2014-07-02