Abstract
Objective: Explore in the literature the use of the video laparoscopic (VLP) approach as intervention for treatment of acute appendicitis in pregnant patients and possible implications of the procedure in fetal-maternal health. Bibliographic review: It has been verified the prevalence of advantages of the laparoscopic approach over open appendectomy, once this method is safer and minimally invasive. Since the technique is more widespread nowadays, data from more recent research suggests that the laparoscopic technique has a lower probability to cause complications to the pregnant patient and the fetus, in addition to working not only as a diagnostic but also therapeutic method, that can be realized in any trimester of pregnancy. Some complications such as lesions to the pregnant uterus, decrease of uterine blood flow and less thromboembolic events for the pregnant patient, as well as lesser risk of respiratory depression for the fetus, were evidenced. Differences between the techniques were presented, revealing a lesser risk of hospitalization, infections, uterine irritation, hemorrhages, postoperative pain and paralytic ileus in the laparoscopic surgery. Final considerations: The laparoscopic approach is safer than open appendectomy and should be considered as a standard procedure in pregnant patients.