[Appendicitis and pregnancy. Seven case reports].

OBJECTIVES

Determiner optimal diagnosis and therapeutic management of pregnant women with suspected appendicitis.

METHOD: Among over 9,000 patients who delivered in our obstetrics ward over a 4-year period, 7 (1/1, 285) underwent appendectomy during their pregnancy. Based on these observations and a review of the literature, an attempt was made to determine the best diagnostic approach in this rare situation.

RESULTS

The frequency observed here was in agreement with data reported in the literature (1/1,000 to 1/2,000). Premature delivery occurred eight days after appendectomy at 29 months gestation in one woman. There was no complication in the 6 other pregnancies. Positive diagnosis, difficult during pregnancy, was based on clinical, biological and echographic findings. Laparoscopy improved not only diagnosis but also treatment and prognosis before 20 weeks gestation.

CONCLUSION

Clinical presentation of appendicitis is modified during pregnancy rendering diagnosis difficult. The gravity of the appendicitis as well early diagnosis and management influence the maternal and fetal prognosis more than its association with pregnancy.