Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in pregnancy: A single center experience

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• General Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Appendicitis is common during pregnancy, posing risks to both mother and fetus.
• Surgical management of appendicitis in pregnant women requires careful consideration of obstetric and surgical outcomes.
• Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) versus open appendectomy (OA) comparison is crucial for optimizing care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare obstetric and surgical outcomes of LA and OA in pregnant women.
• To determine if LA is a safe and effective alternative to OA during pregnancy.
• To evaluate the impact of surgical approach on maternal and fetal well-being.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 57 pregnant women undergoing appendectomy (January 2009 - September 2018).
• Patients categorized into LA and OA groups.
• Data collected: demographics, gestational age, diagnostic methods, surgery duration, hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality.

Main Results:

• No significant demographic differences between LA (18 patients) and OA (39 patients) groups.
• LA group had significantly shorter surgery duration (37 vs. 57 minutes; p=0.005).
• No significant differences in surgical site infection, hospital stay, preterm delivery, fetal loss, or mortality.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) appears to be a safe surgical option for pregnant patients and their fetuses.
• LA offers potential benefits, including reduced operative time, without compromising safety.
• Further prospective, randomized trials with larger cohorts are recommended to solidify these findings.