Appendicitis in Pregnancy: A report from Zaria, Nigeria.

Abstract

In a retrospective review of 21 pregnant patients who had appendicectomy for suspicion of appendicitis, 18 had histological confirmation while 2 had lymphoid hyperplasia and 1 was normal, giving a negative appendicectomy rate of 14.3%. The incidence of confirmed appendicitis in pregnancy was 1:1,236 deliveries. Of the 18 patients, 5 had complications of the disease (mass 3, perforation 2), while 13 were uncomplicated. The age range was 16-40 years (mean 26.8 years). The disease was more common in patients with high parity of 3 and above and one-half were in the second trimester. The common features were right iliac fossa and right flank pain and tenderness; nausea, anorexia and fever were less frequent. There was an average delay of 2.7 days between admission and surgical consult, due mostly to a suspicion of urinary tract infection. Three patients, including the 2 with perforation developed superficial wound infection. There was no maternal or perinatal mortality. Hospital stay was 7-14 days (mean 10.2 days). Negative appendicectomy was not associated with any complications

(Nig J Surg Res 2000; 2:52-56)



KEY WORDS

: Appendicitis, Pregnancy