Hypoxic events during non-obstetric abdominal surgeryin pregnant women

OBJECTIVE: Every year 0.5-2% of women undergo non-obstetric surgeryin pregnancy. Hypoxic events with short-Term and longterm consequences are one of the most frequent complicationsin surgery. Thereis only limited data available regarding theimpact of these events. This review aims to analyze the current literature on hypoxic events occurringin non-obstetric abdominal surgeryin pregnant women, focused on maternal and fetal outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a non-systematic review of the literature, through a PubMed search using the key words "hypoxemia", "non-obstetric surgery", "surgical procedures", "pregnancy", "pregnant women" and "outcome". RESULTS: Thereis little data available regarding maternal and fetal outcomes after hypoxic episodes during non-obstetric surgeryin pregnancy.in these cases, conservativeintrauterine resuscitation maneuvers orimmediate delivery should be takeninto account. Perimortem cesarean section can be lifesaving for both mother and fetus when maternal collapseis non responsive to resuscitation procedures.inaccurateinformation regarding maternal and fetal outcomesis due to the lack of robust data and the heterogeneity of the causes underlying maternal respiratory complications during surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Non-obstetric surgery during pregnancy must be performed whenindicated. An expert multidisciplinary team, composed of obstetricians, surgeons, and anesthesiologists need to beincluded, giving appropriate attention to the physiological changes of respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal system that occur during pregnancy. The shortest operative time and peri-operative assistance should be ensured. Complications, such as hypoxic eventsin pregnant patients need adequate assistance. Multidisciplinary cooperation, continuous training and simulation for anesthesiology and resuscitative procedures can guarantee this.