Appendectomy in pregnancy: evaluation of the risks of a negative appendectomy

BACKGROUND: In pregnant women, a high negative appendectomy (NA) rate often is reported; however, the outcome of pregnancy after a NA is not well studied. METHODS: Among 1,696 consecutive patients (728 men and 968 women) who underwent an appendectomy at our institution (1996-2005), 87 pregnant women were identified. Postoperative surgical and obstetric outcomes were analyzed based on the final pathologic report of the appendix (normal appendix, inflamed, or perforated). RESULTS: The NA rate was significantly higher in pregnant women compared with nonpregnant women (36% vs 14%; P < .05). The fetal demise rate was similar between the NA group and the inflamed group (3% vs 2%; P = NS), and highest (14%) in the perforated group, although this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .3). Wound infections were most frequent in the perforated group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: NA during pregnancy is not free of risk to the fetus. We recommend careful assessment to avoid unnecessary exploration when appendicitis is suspected in pregnant women. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.