Imaging Modalities for Pregnant Women

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Up to 1 in 500 women will require a non-obstetrical abdominal surgery during pregnancy. Common surgical emergencies complicating pregnancy include acute appendicitis, cholecystitis, and intestinal obstruction, among others. In recent years, concerns regarding ionizing radiologic imaging and the effects of pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery have limited utilization of these modalities in the pregnant patient. More recent understanding of the true risks of ionizing radiation and pneumoperitoneum have allowed emergence of safe practice standards that now permit physicians to employ necessary diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in managing surgical problems in pregnant patients while minimizing risks to both the fetus and the mother.