Acute appendicitis in pregnancy and postpartum.

Abstract

0BJECTIVE: To review cases of acute appendicitis occurring during pregnancy and the puerperium. SUBJETS: Thirteen pregnant or puerperal patients acute appendicitis at the obstetrical and surgical emergency services. SETTING: Edgardo Rebagliati Martins National Hospital. DESIGN: Descriptive study cases of acute appendicitis confirmed by anatomo-pathological study that occurred durinq and the puerperium attended from January 1995 through March 1996 (15 months). During the same period, 10626 deliveries were attended and 1271 appendectomies were performed. RESULTS: Incidence of acute appendicitis was 1/817 deliveries (0,12%), occurring 1,02% during gestation, predominantly during the second trimester. It was more frequent in primiparae and multiparae, and average age was 30,7 years (SD 4,22). Two cases of appendix without significant alterations (15,8%), two fetal deaths and no case of maternal death were registered. We discuss the clinical picture and the efects o appendicular disease and the surgical act on pregnancy course.