1 | INTRODUCTION
Appendicitis is one of the most common acute abdominal conditions, with a lifetime incidence of 7-9 %. Pregnancy is said to protect against appendicitis [1,2]. Standard treatment for appendicitis is laparoscopic (LapApp) or open appendectomy (OpenApp). Appendicitis during pregnancy requires accurate diagnostics, timely appropriate choice of management, and good communication between obstetrician, anaesthetist, and surgeon. Clinical examination, laboratory testing, and imaging (ultrasound scanning and computer tomography) are routine in non-pregnant women [3]. Computer tomography scan during pregnancy is rarely performed since it exposes the foetus to radiation, making acute appendicitis more difficult to diagnose accurately. Furthermore, in the second half of pregnancy, LapApp is difficult and time-consuming [4].
There are models for predicting the presence and severity of appendicitis in pregnant women [5]. An increased platelet: lymphocyte ratio has been reported in pregnant women with appendicitis [6]. Previous studies have shown that hyponatraemia is a negative predictive factor in appendicitis in children [7]. A Swedish population-based study suggested that pregnancy is protective against appendicitis, with lower risk during pregnancy and an increased risk in the peri- and postpartum periods [2].
The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of pregnancy after appendectomy, mode of surgery, appendectomy rates, and complications associated with appendectomy during pregnancy.