Laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy

Important factors in laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy are listed here: There is a risk of aspiration because of a hormonally induced decrease in lower esophageal sphincter tone and mechanical effects of a gravid uterus. Supine hypotensive syndrome because of aortocaval compression can be a major problem. Pneumoperitoneum during pregnancy results in more pronounced restrictive lung physiology. Avoid hypoxemia, hypotension, acidosis, hypoventilation, and hyperventilation. No anesthetic drugs have been proven to be teratogenic in humans. Surgery during pregnancy is associated with the delivery of low birth-weight, growth-restricted babies. Standard noninvasive monitoring could be sufficient for healthy parturients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Fetal heart rate and uterine activity should be monitored pre- and postoperatively. Laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy is safe, has multiple advantages over open techniques, can be performed during all gestational ages, and does not require invasive or continuous fetal and uterine monitoring for routine cases; however, the anesthesiologist must be aware of the physiologic changes associated with pregnancy and the effects of positioning, and the consequences of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on the parturient and the fetus. Although no special monitoring is required in healthy parturients, each case must be assessed carefully, and invasive monitoring could be required in those patients with significant cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. Fetal heart rate should be assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Surveillance with an external tocodynamometer should be instituted immediately preoperatively and postoperatively and tocolytic agents instituted if documented or perceived uterine activity is detected.