[Surgery during pregnancy]

[Skeletal tuberculosis of the distal radius during pregnancy]

We present a case of a pregnant woman (32nd gestational week) that suffered from a chronic non-healing wound at the distal radius. Skeletal tuberculosis was finally diagnosed and treated successfully with staged surgical therapy combined with appropriate medication. One year after surgical treatment, the outcome of the mother was excellent and the baby did not suffer from any disease related to operative procedures or pharmacotherapy. Operative treatment of skeletal tuberculosis (especially osteoarticular and vertebral tuberculosis) in combination with tuberculostatic therapy during pregnancy and lactation seem to be the appropriate treatment with minimal risk for the child and excellent outcome for the mother.

[Fetomaternal pharmacology : anesthesiological approach in surgical interventions during pregnancy]

The choice of anesthesia procedure for surgical interventions in pregnancy is particularly important considering the responsibility for the unborn child and the patient. Uncertainties with the treatment of this patient group and lacking routine are common. Nevertheless, 0.5-2% of pregnant women require non-gynecological surgery. In this respect knowledge about the interrelationship between physiological changes and pharmacological effects with potentially negative impact for the embryo, fetus or neonate is of particular importance. In this article the physiology relevant for anesthesia during pregnancy is discussed and commonly used drugs are reviewed to enable anesthesiologists to formulate concepts to preclude adverse effects for the mother and child and to provide an adequate therapy.