Surgery during pregnancy

Approximately 0.75-2% of pregnant women need nonobstetric surgery. This chapter’s objective is to provide a concise yet broad overview of the most common nonobstetric surgical issues in the pregnant patient. The topics covered in this chapter range from the most common causes of abdominal pain, such as appendicitis, biliary tract disease, and bowel obstruction to the management of certain malignancies. Making an early diagnosis and implementing timely treatment of these conditions is paramount in minimizing both fetal and maternal morbidity. However, physiological changes during pregnancy may confound the etiology and lead to difficulty in diagnosis (Table 36.1). Having knowledge of these changes that occur during pregnancy may lead to earlier diagnosis and more appropriate management plan.