Preoperative Assessment of the Pregnant Patient Undergoing Nonobstetric Surgery

Abstract

The anesthetic management of pregnant patients can present a variety of challenges and a thorough preoperative assessment is necessary before initiating any anesthetic services. Both the mother and the fetus need to be considered when formulating an anesthetic plan and discussing informed consent. The overall aims in assessing a pregnant patient are to identity potential issues that can lead to catastrophic complications, provide adequate information allowing the mother to make informed decisions, and to obtain knowledge for tailoring an anesthetic that maintains maternal and fetal homeostasis.

Keywords: Airway; Anesthesia; Complications; Physiology; Pregnancy; Pregnant patient; Preoperative; Risk.