Elective appendectomy at the time of cesarean delivery: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative morbidity in patients who underwent cesarean delivery with and without elective appendectomy.


METHODS
Subjects who underwent cesarean delivery were assigned randomly by computer-generated randomization to either standard cesarean delivery or cesarean delivery with appendectomy. Primary variables that were measured were operative times and markers of morbidity. Secondary outcome was appendiceal pathologic condition.


RESULTS
Ninety-three subjects whose condition required cesarean delivery from July 2002 to May 2006 were enrolled (control subjects, 48; active subjects, 45). Operative time in the study group was increased by 8.8 minutes (P < or = .028). Postoperative morbidity findings were similar. Pathologic evaluation revealed 9 abnormalities that included acute appendicitis in 2 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Elective appendectomy at the time of cesarean delivery does not increase inpatient morbidity. Consideration can be given safely to elective appendectomy at the time of cesarean delivery in selected cases, such as women with palpable fecaliths and/or an abnormal appearing appendix, a history of pelvic pain, endometriosis, or anticipated intraabdominal adhesions.
Pearce
Christy
C
Section on Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga, TN, [corrected] USA.
Torres
Carlos
C
Stallings
Shawn
S
Adair
David
D
Kipikasa
Joseph
J
Briery
Christian
C
Fody
Edward
E
D000328:Adult; D001062:Appendectomy; D001065:Appendix / Q000473:pathology; D002585:Cesarean Section; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011247:Pregnancy