[Acute appendicitis during pregnancy: report of 4 cases]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Surgical Emergencies
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in pregnancy, affecting approximately 1 in 1500 pregnancies.
• Physiological changes during pregnancy complicate the clinical diagnosis of appendicitis.
• Delayed treatment increases risks of maternal and fetal morbidity.

Observation:

• This study describes four cases of acute appendicitis diagnosed in pregnant patients between 8 and 13 weeks of gestation.
• All patients underwent laparotomy for appendicitis (three at phase II, one at phase III).
• Preoperative management included indomethacin and ceftriaxone.

Findings:

• Successful surgical intervention for acute appendicitis during early pregnancy was achieved.
• No maternal or obstetric complications were reported in the treated cases.
• Laparotomy was an effective treatment modality.

Implications:

• Prompt diagnosis and surgical management of appendicitis in pregnancy are essential.
• A collaborative, multidisciplinary approach is key to optimizing outcomes for mother and fetus.
• Effective management strategies can prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in this high-risk population.