Saving a 32-week pregnant woman with dangerous appendicitis

Through clinical results, tests and abdominal ultrasound, doctors discovered an enlarged appendix, not collapsed when pressed, and had abdominal fluid. At this time, the pregnant woman was diagnosed with peritonitis due to appendicitis at 32 weeks of pregnancy.

Recently, a 32-week pregnant woman was hospitalized with severe abdominal pain, which threatened both mother and fetus due to dangerous complications of appendicitis. Fortunately, doctors from the Department of Surgery, Quang Ninh General Hospital discovered the problem and performed laparoscopic surgery in time, helping the mother and fetus to be saved safely.

Specifically, patient LTMA (28 years old, residing in Hong Gai ward, Quang Ninh province) is 32 weeks pregnant. One day before being admitted to the hospital, the pregnant woman experienced abdominal pain, initially epigastric pain, then right iliac fossa pain radiating to the back. Noticing the unusual abdominal pain, the family took the pregnant woman to the hospital for examination.

Laparoscopic appendectomy incisions are very small, ensuring safety for the mother and 32-week fetus.

Through clinical results, tests and abdominal ultrasound, doctors discovered an enlarged appendix, not compressed, and fluid in the abdomen. At this time, the pregnant woman was diagnosed with peritonitis due to appendicitis at 32 weeks of pregnancy.

Recognizing this as a dangerous surgical emergency, which could threaten the lives of both mother and child if handled late, the doctors of the Department of Surgery quickly consulted with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology to agree on an optimal treatment regimen, ensuring the highest safety for the pregnant woman and fetus.

After comprehensively assessing the patient's condition and gestational age, doctors prescribe laparoscopic appendectomy for the pregnant woman, to control infection and minimize the risk of complications.

The surgery was a bit difficult because the large uterus occupied most of the abdominal cavity, pushing the organs to other positions, limiting the surgeon's vision and manipulation. However, with experience and skill, the surgical team chose the appropriate position, moved gently to avoid stimulating the uterus, ensuring the safety of the fetus.

The surgeon examined and re-checked the incision for the mother.

Continuing the examination, the team found that the appendix in the right iliac fossa was inflamed with pus, surrounded by many pseudomembranes and cloudy fluid. The surgical team carefully removed the inflamed appendix, cleaned the abdominal cavity, controlled the peritonitis and the surgery was safe and successful. One day after the surgery, the mother's abdominal pain was gone, she could sit up and walk, and the fetus was stable and normal.

Directly handling the case, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Phuong - Deputy Head of the Department of Surgery, Quang Ninh General Hospital informed that appendicitis in pregnant women is a rare surgical disease, difficult to diagnose early, especially when the pregnant woman is 32 weeks pregnant. The symptoms are often atypical, easily confused with digestive disorders or physiological contractions of pregnancy. When the disease progresses to peritonitis, the risk of appendicitis rupture, abdominal infection, premature birth or miscarriage is very high...

Doctors recommend: Pregnant women should not be subjective when experiencing unusual abdominal pain, especially pain in the right iliac fossa accompanied by fever, nausea or digestive disorders.

Taking painkillers without prescription or delaying going to the hospital can cause the disease to progress, leading to dangerous complications affecting the health of mother and baby. When there are suspicious symptoms, pregnant women need to go to a qualified medical facility for timely examination and treatment.

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/cuu-san-phu-mang-thai-32-tuan-bi-viem-ruot-thua-nguy-hiem-169251104195858048.htm