Does appendicectomy predispose to ectopic pregnancy? A case controlled study

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
During a period of 5 years, 1978–1982, in the Medway Health District. 80 women underwent surgery for ectopic pregnancy. A past history of appendicectomy was elicited in 29 per Cent of cases. This was commoner than a past history of pelvic infection (20 percent), use of intra-uterine contraceptive devices (16 per cent) or investigations and treatment for infertility (15 per cent). A control group of 80 cases with intra-uterine gestation. matched for age. gravidity and parity to the patients with ectopic pregnancy. had a past history of appendicectomy in only 3 cases (4 per cent), and the difference was significant (P < 0.001). In 94 per cent of the cases. the pregnancy was tubal ectopic, with 59 per cent in the right fallopian tube. Authough a past history of abdominal surgery (Riva et al, 1962; Fielding er al., 1965; Jones, 1966; Blanchet et al., 1967; Brenner et al., 1980) and previous appendicectomy (Cromartie and Kovalcik. 1978; Michelas et al., 1980) have been quoted as aetiological factors in ectopic pregnancy. none of these previous studies provides comparative information as to how many women in the general population have had abdominal surgery or previous appendicectomy. This study is the first matched controlled retrospective analysis to show that previous appendicectomy predisposes to ectopic pregnancy.

This publication has 9 references indexed in Scilit: