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.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.