Diagnosis
The diagnosis of appendicitis in general and also during pregnancy is primarily made on the basis of the surgeon’s clinical assessment. This means that the physician assesses whether appendicitis is probable based on the patient’s condition, the findings of the physical examination and the symptoms presented. Further diagnostic measures such as a blood test or ultrasound can only support but in no case lead to the exclusion or proof of the disease. The diagnosis can ultimately only be confirmed during the operation and, if necessary, by a histological examination of the removed appendix.
Duration
Appendicitis in pregnancy usually develops within a few hours to days, and the symptoms usually increase steadily. If the symptoms last for several days to weeks, another, usually harmless cause is more likely. Pain during pregnancy and other unsettling symptoms should nevertheless be clarified in good time by a medical examination.
If, however, appendicitis is diagnosed during pregnancy, emergency surgery should be performed as a rule without delay. The duration of the operation varies and depends on the findings, the position of the appendix and the chosen surgical procedure. Normally, however, the duration of the operation is less than one hour. Afterwards the patient has to stay in hospital for a few days, depending on her condition.