Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in pregnancy: A single center experience

The aim of this study was to compare the obstetric and surgical outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OA) performed for pregnant women at a single center. It was the hypothesis of this study that there would be no significant difference in the results.

The medical records of 57 consecutive pregnant women who underwent an appendectomy between January 2009 and September 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into 2 groups: OA and LA. The collected data included age, gestational age, diagnostic modalities used, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality.

Eighteen (31%) patients underwent LA and 39 (69%) patients underwent OA. There were no significant differences in the demographic data. The duration of surgery was significantly less in the laparoscopic group (37 vs 57 minutes; p=0.005). There were no statistically significant differences in the outcomes of deep or superficial surgical site infection, length of hospital stay, pre-term delivery, or loss of the fetus. There was no mortality in either group.

The results of this study suggest that LA can be a safe option for both the pregnant patient and the child. Further prospective, randomized studies with a larger group of pregnant patients with appendicitis are needed to fully determine the effects of laparoscopy in these circumstances.