Non Obstetric Acute Abdomen in Pregnancy – An Experience from Kashmir

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to study the profile of pregnant patients who were managed by general surgical unit of a referral hospital in Kashmir valley for non obstetric causes of acute abdomen over a period of seven years. Methods: The study was done retrospectively after acquiring data from databank related to pregnant patients managed for acute abdomen over a period of seven years (from January 2006 to December 2012) in the general surgical department of the medical college of SK Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir. Results: 49 non obstetric acute abdomen were managed in pregnant females over a period of seven years. 23 (46.9%) patients reported with a delay of more than 12 hours and 34 (69.4%) cases underwent surgical interventions. Appendicitis was the commonest cause of acute abdomen and Ultrasonography was the only imaging modality utilized. Only 3 cases had preterm labor. Conclusions: Acute abdomen in pregnant females should be assessed with high level of suspicion .Delay in presentation and intervention leads to adverse outcomes.

Keywords

• Acute abdomen
• Pregnancy
• Appendicitis
• Complications
• Delay