title: Laparoscopic appendicectomy in pregnancy: a systematic review of the published evidence.
abstract: Surgical intervention for acute appendicitis during pregnancy carries significant risk to both mother and foetus. The safety of Laparoscopic Appendicectomy in pregnancy has been a matter of debate among clinicians. We have critically reviewed the available published evidence in regards with this debate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is no strong current evidence as to the preferred modality of appendicectomy; open or laparoscopic, during pregnancy from the prospect of foetal or maternal safety. However, low grade evidence shows that laparoscopic appendicectomy during pregnancy might be associated with higher rates of foetal loss.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Wansbeck General Hospital, Ashington NE63 9JJ, UK.
authors.forename: Humphrey G M
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Wansbeck General Hospital, Ashington NE63 9JJ, UK. Electronic address: ahmadas@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: Ahmad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al Samaraee
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Wansbeck General Hospital, Ashington NE63 9JJ, UK.
authors.forename: Sarah J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Mills
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Wansbeck General Hospital, Ashington NE63 9JJ, UK.
authors.forename: M Reza
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Kalbassi
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Appendicitis; Appendicitis in pregnancy; Laparoscopy in pregnancy and laparoscopic appendicectomy/appendectomy