Appendectomy during pregnancy: a survey of two army medical activities

Acute appendicitis is the most common nonobstetrical surgical condition of the abdomen complicating pregnancy. Appendectomy reportedly is performed during pregnancy once for every 1,500 deliveries. Although the incidence of appendicitis occurring in pregnant women is considered to be the same as in nonpregnant women, the signs and symptoms, and the laboratory findings usually associated with appendicitis in the nonpregnant condition, are frequently unreliable during pregnancy. Using the Computer Diagnostic Data System, we completed a retrospective analysis on all appendectomies performed at two Army Medical Activities (MEDDACs) during a 2-year period. With a representative large Army MEDDAC and a representative medium-sized Army MEDDAC studied, the incidence of appendectomy during pregnancy was the same frequency as in previous reports. The only consistent finding in all pregnant patients who underwent appendectomy was right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Presenting signs and symptoms, clinical evaluations, laboratory findings, and surgical management is discussed. No morbidity or mortality occurred during this study.