Anesthetic Management of a Pregnant Patient Undergoing Oral Surgery

Urgent or emergent dental or oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures are acceptable at all stages of pregnancy and encouraged for maintaining the overall wellness of parturients. However, the risks and benefits of nonobstetric surgical procedures under general anesthesia should be weighed carefully because pregnant patients experience significant physiologic remodeling, and many anesthetic drugs and techniques may cause inhibition of fetal development as well as preterm labor and delivery. This case report discusses the choice of anesthetic technique based on the changes in maternal physiology, maintenance of adequate uteroplacental perfusion, avoidance of potentially dangerous drugs during fetal development, and prevention of preterm labor and delivery to ensure maternal safety and maintenance of pregnancy. The case presented highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to ensure adequate anesthetic management in pregnant women.