Anaesthesia | Obstetrics | Preoperative Assessment and Preparation

Preoperative Assessment and Preparation
Session Overview
Description
This session describes the options, risks and the routine preoperative preparation necessary for the pregnant patient, including guidance on the high-risk categories that require senior involvement.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Identify the important features of preoperative assessment of the pregnant woman in the elective and emergency setting
• Recognize high-risk groups of patients in need of detailed assessment
• Specify appropriate antacid prophylaxis in different clinical situations

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should complete:

• Module 04a/Pregnancy and labour/Physiological changes during pregnancy (001-0368)
• Module 04a/Regional analgesia & anaesthesia/Regional analgesia 4: risks and benefits (001-0379)
• Module 04a/General anaesthesia in obstetrics/General anaesthesia in obstetrics: risks and benefits (001-0384)

The Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH) 2003-05 identified a maternal mortality rate of 7.7 per 100 000 maternities. In this three year period, six deaths were directly attributable to anaesthesia and in a further 31 deaths, perioperative management was considered substandard.

Preoperative assessment of the pregnant patient, whether in the elective or emergency setting, is a vital opportunity to highlight and address potential problems. It allows the patient to present for anaesthesia in the best condition possible and with appropriate staff and resources available.