183k views
2 votes
When should urgent/elective surgery be timed for in pregnancy?

User Davy
by
7.9k points

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

Urgent/elective surgery during pregnancy should be ideally timed during the second trimester to minimize risks, with elective procedures postponed until after delivery if possible.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the timing of urgent/elective surgery during pregnancy, the procedure should ideally be scheduled during the second trimester. This is because the risk of miscarriage and preterm labor is lower compared to the first and third trimesters. If possible, elective surgeries should be postponed until after delivery. In urgent cases where surgery cannot wait, risks and benefits must be weighed, and steps should be taken to minimize risk. This includes confirming that prophylactic antibiotics have been administered approximately 60 minutes before incision, provided antibiotics are indicated, and ensuring that all critical imaging results for the patient are readily available in the operating room to ensure patient safety.

User Jhondge
by
7.2k points