Acute appendicitis during pregnancy

Forty-one appendectomies were performed on pregnant patients during the period 1973-1983. The preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis was correct in 57 per cent of the cases (24 patients). Presenting complaints, physical examinations, and laboratory analysis did not prove helpful in establishing the diagnosis. The incidence of acute appendicitis during pregnancy was 1:4172 (birth/pregnancy). Rapid surgical intervention probably contributed to the low (25%) incidence of perforated appendices. A transverse incision and general anesthesia were preferred. There was no maternal mortality and a 2 per cent rate of fetal loss.