Differences in Abdominal Pain Etiology: Is it from Appendicitis or Ovarian Cyst?

Abstract

n childbearing age, abdominal pain presents a unique diagnostic dilemma. The causes of abdominal pain are gastrointestinal, gynecological, urological, or pulmonary diseases. These patients are often evaluated by a general surgeon and gynecologist to determine pain etiology. Thorough knowledge of history and physical examination are key to differentiate the diagnosis. Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common abdominal surgical emergency with a rate of 27%. 1 In addition, it is the most common cause of nongynecological pelvic pain. 2 It is known to occur simultaneously with various gynecological diseases. 3 Ovarian cysts are frequently seen in women in reproductive age and can also cause abdominal or pelvic pain. 4 In these patients with abdominal or pelvic pain, the differential diagnosis of AA and ovarian cysts is challenging. The aim of this study was to compare the preoperative parameters in patients with ovarian cysts, evaluate the negative appendectomy factors in patients undergoing appendectomy with AA diagnosis, and predict negative appendectomy.