Clinical excellence for nurse practitioners : the international journal of NPACE
-
Clin Excell Nurse Pract · Sep 1999
Appendectomy in pregnancy and postpartum: analysis of data from a large private hospital.
Little research is found in the nursing literature regarding appendicitis in the pregnant patient. Appendicitis in pregnancy is associated with: perforation of the appendix, peritonitis, and increased fetal and maternal mortality and morbidity. Preterm labor and early delivery may further complicate the pregnancy. ⋯ Deliveries numbered more than 66,000 during the 10 years. A total of 42 cases of appendicitis during pregnancy and the 2 weeks following delivery was identified. The characteristics of the population as well as considerations for practice are discussed.