Appendicitis in pregnancy

SummaryFollowing a cluster of patients with acute appendicitis in pregnancy in our unit, appendicitis in pregnancy over 6 1/2 years was reviewed. of 11 patients who underwent appendicectomy 8 had the diagnosis of appendicitis confirmed. The incidence of appendicitis in the pregnant population was 1:1642. The clustering of cases in late 1985 and early 1986 is unexplained. Pain was the only reliable symptom and tenderness and muscle guarding the only reliable signs. There was no mortality and no significant maternal or fetal morbidity.Early surgical intervention is mandatory and does not lead to an increased fetal loss.