A systematic review of 30 papers on anaesthesia management for pregnant women undergoing non-obstetric surgery emphasizes thorough preoperative evaluation and physiological modifications.
Systematic Review
What are the anaesthetic considerations for pregnant women undergoing non-obstetric surgery in resource-limited settings?
Thorough preoperative evaluation and maintenance of uteroplacental perfusion are essential for pregnant women undergoing non-obstetric surgery, with regional anaesthesia offering favourable outcomes when safe.
Background: Approximately 1-2% of pregnant women undergo non-obstetric surgery under anaesthesia during their pregnancy. This review specifically targets anaesthesia management for pregnant women undergoing non-obstetric surgery in resource-limited settings. Methods: Following the delineation of primary questions, scope, and inclusion criteria, a comprehensive search strategy utilizing advanced techniques was implemented across electronic sources, databases, and websites to identify relevant articles. A rigorous screening process was applied during the literature evaluation. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement guided the conduct of this review, ensuring adherence to standardized reporting practices. Results: A total of 240 articles were initially identified from databases and websites. After screening titles and abstracts, 85 papers were excluded, and an additional 43 were removed due to duplication. Subsequently, 68 items were subjected to eligibility screening. Finally, 30 papers that specifically addressed anaesthetic considerations for pregnant women undergoing non-obstetric operations were reviewed. Conclusion: Thorough preoperative evaluation is essential for all patients, with particular attention to modifications in anaesthetic management to accommodate physiological changes during pregnancy. Urgent and emergent surgeries should proceed promptly during pregnancy to optimize outcomes for both the mother and foetus. Maintaining uteroplacental perfusion generally involves avoiding maternal hypoxaemia, hypotension, hyper- and hypocapnia, temperature extremes, and stress. When deemed safe, regional anaesthesia may offer favourable outcomes for both the mother and foetus.
Zeleke et al. (Tue,) conducted a systematic review in Pregnant women undergoing non-obstetric surgery. Anaesthesia management was evaluated. A systematic review of 30 papers on anaesthesia management for pregnant women undergoing non-obstetric surgery emphasizes thorough preoperative evaluation and physiological modifications.