Latest Considerations in Diagnosis and Treatment of Appendicitis During Pregnancy

Author(s): Lotfipour, Shahram; Jason, Max; Liu, Vincent J.; Helmy, Mohammad; Hoonpongsimanont, Wirachin; McCoy, C. Eric; Chakravarthy, Bharath | Abstract: Pregnancy can obscure signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis, making diagnosis challenging. Furthermore, avoiding radiation-based imaging due to fetal risk limits the diagnostic options clinicians have. Once appendicitis has been diagnosed, performing appendectomies has been the more commonly accepted course of action, but conservative, nonsurgical approaches are now being considered. This report describes the latest recommendations from different fields and organizations for the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis during pregnancy.