[Appendicitis in pregnancy]

The incidence, symptoms, clinical and paraclinical findings, and complications of appendicitis during pregnancy is reviewed. The symptoms and signs do not differ from those in non-pregnant women with the disease. Uterine contractions may occur. The pregnancy ought not to divert the clinicians attention from the disease which is complicated by a considerable foetal mortality, premature labour and abortion. These complications are especially connected with perforated appendicitis. The perforation frequency is related to the delay prior to operation. Immediate appendectomy is recommended as soon as the disease is suspected, making use of prophylactic tocolytic therapy. Antibiotics should be administered according to the usual recommendations. Abdominal delivery should be reserved for obstetric indications only.