Acute appendicitis in pregnancy and puerperium : A review of 30 cases.

ABSTRACT

The diagnosis of appendicitis is frequently difficult in the pregnant woman. As the pregnancy progresses, the difficulties in the diagnosis increase so much that treatment is delayed. This causes danger to both mother and fetus. A review of 30 cases of appendicitis in pregnancy and the puerperium over a 5-year period (1982-1986), at Siriraj Hospital is presented. There was no maternal mortality nut some morbidity. As for the fetus, an adoration rate of 22.2% was found in the second trimester, where as the cases in the third trimester had a prematurely rate of 41.6%. It is considered that early operation will decrease complications and is the treatment of choice at all stages of pregnancy and the puerperium. Tocolytic agents may have a beneficial effect on the course of the pregnancy and should be given prophylactically to all patients beyond 16 weeks to prevent uterine contractions and premature labour.