Appendicitis in Postpartum Period: A Diagnostic Challenge

• Main Authors: Divya Wadhawan, Seema Singhal, Nivedtia Sarda, Renu Arora
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited 2015-10-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
• Subjects: appendicular pathology; laparotomy in puerperium; puerperal sepsis
• Online Access: https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/6642/11970_CE(Ra1)_F(GH)_PF1(VSUAK)_PFA(P)_PF2(PAG).pdf

Infections that occur in the postpartum period are assumed to be related to pregnancy or delivery; however other causes should also be considered. Appendicitis is one of the most common conditions requiring laparotomy during pregnancy, but very few cases of postpartum appendicitis have been reported. We report two such cases and the challenges faced by clinicians in diagnosis of immediate postpartum appendicitis. The first case was managed on lines of puerperal sepsis and the second one as enteric fever. Appendicular pathology was detected incidentally on laparotomy. In postpartum patients with no obvious focus of sepsis, appendicitis should be kept in mind. A team approach involving sensitized obstetricians and surgeons is likely to reduce serious morbidities.