Laparoscopic appendectomy during pregnancy is safe for both the mother and the fetus.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis during pregnancy is still debated. While laparoscopic appendectomy in general has become the gold standard, this procedure has not generally been implemented for pregnant women.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the patient charts of all patients who underwent appendectomy during pregnancy in the period from 2000 to 2012. Open appendectomy (OA) was performed in 25 cases and laparoscopic (LA) in 19.

RESULTS: We observed a significantly longer operation time (69 versus 49 min., p = 0.002), but fewer complications, a shorter hospital stay (2.6 versus 5.5 days, p = 0.004) and a lower rate of negative appendectomies (16% versus 52%, p = 0.02) in the LA group compared with the OA group. The mean gestation age at appendectomy was significantly lower in the LA group. There were no significant differences in gestational age at birth, Apgar score, birth weight or height between the two groups. Five births (11%) were categorised as mildly to moderately preterm. There were no cases of fetal loss.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic appendectomy is safe for both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy irrespective of gestational age, and the procedure is associated with a low risk of post-operative complications.

FUNDING: none.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.