Preoperative pregnancy testing in ambulatory surgery. Incidence and impact of positive results.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of unrecognized early pregnancy and its influence on the surgical and anesthetic course in patients presenting for elective ambulatory surgery have not been previously determined. The current study was designed to determine the incidence of unrecognized pregnancy in women presenting for ambulatory surgery. In addition, it examined how discovery of the pregnancy altered the anesthetic or surgical course.

METHODS: In a prospective study over a 1-yr period, all women of childbearing potential (defined as menstruating women without prior hysterectomy or tubal ligation) were preoperatively evaluated and tested for urine or serum human chorionic gonadotropin, to determine unrecognized pregnancy. If a pregnancy was detected, the disposition of the surgical procedure and the effect on the surgical and anesthetic management was recorded.

RESULTS: Of 2,056 women of childbearing potential presenting for ambulatory surgery, testing revealed 7 previously unrecognized pregnancies, an incidence of 0.3%. Included among these patients were two patients scheduled to undergo fertility procedures. On learning the test result and even before being advised of available options, all patients elected to cancel or postpone the surgical procedure.

CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of previously unrecognized pregnancy in menstruating women presenting for ambulatory, nonobstetric surgery was 0.3%. The knowledge of a positive test resulted in cancellation or postponement of the operative procedure. Patient desire for cancellation was the main determining factor in each case.