Development of Progeny After Appendectomy During Pregnancy
Development of Progeny After Appendectomy During Pregnancy
Choi JJ, Mustafa R, Lynn ET, Divino CM
J Am Coll Surg. 2011;213:627-632
The aim of this study was to determine whether appendectomy during pregnancy affects subsequent development of the offspring. The investigators observed and followed 29 patients who had undergone appendectomy during pregnancy, focusing on achievement of developmental milestones. Appendectomy was performed during the first trimester in 7 patients, the second trimester in 14 patients, and the third trimester in 8 patients. The mean follow-up time was nearly 4 years. Eight of the offspring had variations in early development, but by the third year, all children had attained normal developmental levels. No significant differences were found in patients who were operated laparoscopically vs an open approach.
Many studies on appendectomy during pregnancy have been conducted, usually focusing on diagnosis or on such complications as premature labor rather than on developmental status during the postappendectomy period. This was a small study, with information available for only 29 of 52 patients who underwent appendectomy during pregnancy. Intuitively, one might anticipate that more developmental abnormalities would be detected if the patient had surgery during the first trimester. However, among the progeny of the 7 patients who had appendectomy during the early stages of pregnancy, fewer developmental differences were noted than in the progeny of patients who underwent surgery later in pregnancy. The sample size was probably too small to gather meaningful information about the frequency of congenital abnormalities.
Abstract
Appendectomy During Pregnancy: Follow-up of Progeny
Choi JJ, Mustafa R, Lynn ET, Divino CM
J Am Coll Surg. 2011;213:627-632
Summary
The aim of this study was to determine whether appendectomy during pregnancy affects subsequent development of the offspring. The investigators observed and followed 29 patients who had undergone appendectomy during pregnancy, focusing on achievement of developmental milestones. Appendectomy was performed during the first trimester in 7 patients, the second trimester in 14 patients, and the third trimester in 8 patients. The mean follow-up time was nearly 4 years. Eight of the offspring had variations in early development, but by the third year, all children had attained normal developmental levels. No significant differences were found in patients who were operated laparoscopically vs an open approach.
Viewpoint
Many studies on appendectomy during pregnancy have been conducted, usually focusing on diagnosis or on such complications as premature labor rather than on developmental status during the postappendectomy period. This was a small study, with information available for only 29 of 52 patients who underwent appendectomy during pregnancy. Intuitively, one might anticipate that more developmental abnormalities would be detected if the patient had surgery during the first trimester. However, among the progeny of the 7 patients who had appendectomy during the early stages of pregnancy, fewer developmental differences were noted than in the progeny of patients who underwent surgery later in pregnancy. The sample size was probably too small to gather meaningful information about the frequency of congenital abnormalities.
Abstract
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