Acute abdomen in pregnancy

Introduction: Pregnancy is a unique state in which the body undergoes both anatomical and physiological changes resulting in diffi culties of diagnosis thus delaying management and in- creasing complications with resultant increase in maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Objectives: Th e aim of this study was to analyze presentation, diagnosis and management of acute abdomen during pregnancy. Material and Methods: Th is is a prospective descriptive study, conducted between June 2010 and Dec 2012 at Hamdard university hospital; included all pregnant patients who received treatment for non obstetrical surgical issues. Result:27 patients were included in this study. Th e commonest problem was acute appendi- citis 40.7%, followed by Biliary Pathology in 37%,intestinal obstruction 18% and irreducible incisional hernia 11%. Only one patient who had appendicectomy done had abortion aft er surgery. All other patients completed their term and delivered normally. Conclusion:With advancement in Anaesthesia, medical and surgical treatment, acute abdomi- nal conditions in pregnancy can be managed successfully with reasonable safety. Hence there should be no hesitancy in decision for early surgical intervention if required.