Non-obstetric Intra-Abdominal Surgery During Pregnancy

The performance of non-obstetric intra-abdominal surgery during pregnancy is a delicate balancing act requiring a multidisciplinary team. The primary goal of such surgery should always include attainment and retention of current and future maternal and neonatal safety. Diverse considerations must be entertained when discussing non-obstetric surgery during pregnancy given the “two patients in one” scenario. Major advances that have occurred in recent years in diagnostic imaging, obstetric anesthesia, and surgical techniques may influence these deliberations. The following chapter addresses many of the diagnostic and management dilemmas likely to be encountered when non-obstetric intra-abdominal surgery is being deliberated or performed.