| [ Summary ] |
Appendicitis is one of the most common gastrointesitinal complications during pregnancy. The incidence of emergent surgery for suspected acute appendicitis is about 1 in l,OO0 pregnancies. Difficulties in diagnosis of appendicitis during pregnancy due to anatomical shifting of the appendix, hematologic changes and confusing GI-tract symptoms accompanying pregnancy, result in frequent over or misdiagnosis, treatment delay and severe complications. Perioperative morbidity and mortality both for patients (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary injuries) and their fetuses (abortion, preterm delivery) are noted, and their incidence increases as pregnancy advances. Immediate surgical exploration should be performed, if appendicitis is suspected, considering the severity of complications. |