Appendectomy for Acute Appendicitis during Pregnancy—Report of 11 Cases—

Abstract

Early diagnosis and treatment for acute appendicitis during pregnancy are important, because perforated appendicitis increases the risk of early delivery and fetal death. However, there is a limit to accurate diagnosis of acute appendicitis during pregnancy by ultrasound sonography (US). Computed tomography (CT) yields a high diagnostic rate and accuracy with suspected appendicitis, but radiation exposure to the fetus is deeply concerning. Useful preoperative imaging, operative morbidity, and fetal outcomes were investigated retrospectively in a total of 11 patients who underwent appendectomy during pregnancy from April 2012 to February 2021 in our hospital. The definite diagnosis of appendicitis was made by US in only two patients. All of the remaining nine patients were diagnosed as having appendicitis by CT. All patients underwent appendectomy. Perforation of the appendix was evident in one patient, and postoperative complications were seen in two patients. Neither early delivery nor fetal death related to acute appendicitis during pregnancy occurred in any of the patients. In conclusion, when US diagnosis is inconclusive for suspected appendicitis during pregnancy, CT examination should be considered, understanding both its risks and benefits.