Body-piercing associated appendicitis in the pregnant patient incidentally discovered during Caesarian section

Abstract

Abstract Appendicitis is the most common general surgery condition encountered in pregnant patients. Its presentation and diagnosis can be confounded by physiological changes of pregnancy causing atypical symptoms and overlap between pregnancy symptoms and appendicitis. Diagnosis of appendicitis in pregnancy is important, as pregnant persons have a much higher rate of complication from appendicitis. In this case report, we describe a patient with a history of right lower quadrant pain thought to be related to round ligament pain. Her previously undiagnosed appendicitis was discovered during routine inspection during caesarian section. The patient’s final pathology revealed a metallic foreign body, one of the rarest causes of appendicitis.