Diagnostic Imaging and Outcomes for Nonobstetric Surgery During Pregnancy

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Jun;63(2):364-369. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000525.

Abstract

A surgical disease occurring during pregnancy can present a diagnostic dilemma due to the desire to make a timely and accurate diagnosis within the constraints of limiting radiation exposure to the fetus. However, required diagnostic imaging should be pursued when indicated and attempts made to minimize the radiation dose by utilizing abdominal shielding and low-dose protocols when feasible. When surgery is indicated due to disease processes, treatment should not be altered or delayed due to pregnancy as the evidence for adverse pregnancy outcomes including early pregnancy loss and preterm delivery are overall of low quality due to substantial confounding by the disease process itself.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous / prevention & control*
  • Diagnostic Imaging* / adverse effects
  • Diagnostic Imaging* / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Patient Selection
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications / surgery
  • Premature Birth / prevention & control*
  • Radiologic Health / methods*
  • Risk Adjustment / methods
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative / methods