We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

HospiMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News AI Critical Care Surgical Techniques Patient Care Health IT Point of Care Business Focus

Abdominal Surgery Can Be Undertaken Safely During Pregnancy

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 11 Nov 2019
A new study concludes that abdominal surgery for non-obstetric pathology can be performed safely during pregnancy (if needed) without increase in maternal and fetal pathology, miscarriage, and preterm birth rates.

Researchers at the Medical University of Graz (Austria) conducted a retrospective analysis of 76 pregnant patients (mean age 29 years) who required surgery for non-obstetric abdominal pathologies during pregnancy from January 2005 to December 2015. Retrospective data were collected from medical records and a perinatal database. Indications for surgery were acute appendicitis in 63%, adnexal pathology in 11%, cholecystolithiasis in 5%, and other indications in 21%. The researchers then evaluated data for clinical presentation, perioperative management, preterm labor, and maternal and fetal outcomes.

Image: Abdominal surgery during pregnancy is safe (Photo courtesy of Alamy)
Image: Abdominal surgery during pregnancy is safe (Photo courtesy of Alamy)

The results revealed that abdominal surgery was performed in an elective setting in 18% of the women, and in an emergent or urgent setting in 82%, with 97% of the procedures conducted under general anesthesia. In five cases, complications, three of them oncological, required further surgery. The median skin-to-skin time was 50 minutes, median in-hospital stay was four days, and 5% required postoperative intensive care. In addition, preterm labor occurred in 15% of the pregnancies and miscarriage in 7%, but none of them were directly related to abdominal surgery. The study was published on October 25, 2019, in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.

“Diagnosis and management of non-obstetric abdominal pathologies during pregnancy are clinically challenging for both obstetricians and general surgeons,” concluded senior author Peter Kornprat, MD, and colleagues. “Our study indicates that abdominal surgery for non-obstetric pathology during pregnancy can be performed safely whenever indicated, without adverse obstetric outcome for either mother or fetus.”

The most frequent indications for surgery during pregnancy are infections, such as acute appendicitis and cholecystitis, ovarian disorders and bowel obstruction, or traumatological or oncological indications. There are no clear recommendations as to when or if laparoscopy or open surgery should be used. IN addition, interdisciplinary management is needed for maximum safety for both mother and fetus, to avoid teratogenous medication, fetal acidosis and hypoxemia, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth.

Related Links:
Medical University of Graz


Gold Member
Disposable Protective Suit For Medical Use
Disposable Protective Suit For Medical Use
Gold Member
12-Channel ECG
CM1200B
Silver Member
Compact 14-Day Uninterrupted Holter ECG
NR-314P
New
Breast Imaging Workstation
SecurView

Latest Surgical Techniques News

Cloud Endoscopy System Enables Real-Time Image Processing on the Cloud

Living Knee Replacement to Revolutionize Osteoarthritis Treatment

Soft, Flexible, Battery-Free Implant Continuously Monitors Bladder Function