Our Summary

This research paper discusses a study on the treatment of appendicitis during pregnancy. Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix becomes inflamed and painful, and it is usually treated by surgically removing the appendix - a procedure known as an appendectomy. Two types of appendectomy were compared in this study - open appendectomy (OA), where a large cut is made in the abdomen, and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), where several smaller cuts are made and a camera is used to guide the surgery.

The study looked at the medical records of women who had an appendectomy while pregnant between 2000 and 2012. The results showed that while laparoscopic appendectomy took a bit longer to perform, it led to fewer complications and a shorter stay in the hospital. The study also found that there were fewer unnecessary appendectomies in the group that had laparoscopic surgery.

The timing of the appendectomy during pregnancy did not seem to make a difference in the outcome for the baby. There was no significant difference in when the babies were born, their birth weight, or their health at birth, between the group that had open surgery and the group that had laparoscopic surgery.

The conclusion of the study is that laparoscopic appendectomy is safe for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy, no matter when in the pregnancy it is performed, and it has a low risk of complications after surgery.

FAQs

  1. Is laparoscopic appendectomy safe for pregnant women?
  2. What are the advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy over open appendectomy during pregnancy?
  3. Were there any cases of fetal loss following laparoscopic appendectomy during pregnancy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic appendectomy is to expect a longer operation time compared to open appendectomy, but also anticipate fewer complications, a shorter hospital stay, and a lower rate of negative appendectomies. It is important to trust in the safety of the procedure for both the mother and fetus, regardless of gestational age.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic appendectomy include pregnant women with acute appendicitis. This study found that laparoscopic appendectomy during pregnancy is safe for both the mother and the fetus, with lower rates of complications, shorter hospital stays, and lower rates of negative appendectomies compared to open appendectomy. The study also found that the procedure is associated with a low risk of post-operative complications and does not have a negative impact on gestational age at birth, Apgar score, birth weight, or height.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic appendectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of acute appendicitis such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever
  • Patient undergoes physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis
  • Decision is made to proceed with surgical intervention
  • Patient is informed about the risks and benefits of laparoscopic appendectomy

After laparoscopic appendectomy:

  • Patient undergoes laparoscopic appendectomy procedure, which typically takes around 49 minutes
  • Patient experiences a shorter hospital stay, around 2.6 days on average
  • Patient has a lower rate of negative appendectomies compared to open appendectomy
  • Patient may experience mild to moderate preterm birth in some cases, but there are no cases of fetal loss
  • Overall, laparoscopic appendectomy is found to be safe for both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, with a low risk of post-operative complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Is laparoscopic appendectomy safe for me and my baby during pregnancy?
  2. How does the operation time compare between laparoscopic and open appendectomy?
  3. What are the potential complications associated with laparoscopic appendectomy during pregnancy?
  4. How long can I expect to stay in the hospital after a laparoscopic appendectomy?
  5. How does the rate of negative appendectomies compare between laparoscopic and open appendectomy?
  6. At what gestational age is laparoscopic appendectomy typically performed during pregnancy?
  7. Are there any specific risks or considerations for me and my baby if I undergo laparoscopic appendectomy?
  8. Will the anesthesia used during the procedure affect my baby in any way?
  9. How soon can I expect to recover and resume normal activities after laparoscopic appendectomy during pregnancy?
  10. Are there any long-term effects on me or my baby from undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy during pregnancy?

Reference

Authors: Laustsen JF, Bjerring OS, Johannessen Ø, Qvist N. Journal: Dan Med J. 2016 Aug;63(8):A5259. PMID: 27477796