Background: There is uncertainty over the optimal incision for gravid patients with appendicitis.
Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2000, on 374 women of childbearing age who underwent appendectomies. Of these, 23 gravid patients were evaluated.
Results: Eighteen incisions were made over McBurney's point and five were created superior to McBurney's point. Patients in the third trimester of pregnancy all received incisions over McBurney's point. The appendix was located without difficulty in all 4 of the third trimester patients. The appendix was easily located in 94% of the incisions made through McBurney's point and 80% of the incisions made above McBurney's point.
Conclusions: Our clinical experience indicates that the incision for the removal of the appendix in pregnant patients in all trimesters can be successfully made over McBurney's point.