Tumor-induced injury of sensory nerve fibers in bone cancer pain

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Increased risks of congenital anomalies, spontaneous abortion, premature delivery, and thromboembolism are associated with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia for the pregnant patient. Knowing the pregnancy status of the female patient is essential with oral & maxillofacial surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of positive pregnancy testing despite a verbal confirmation of a nonpregnant state from the female patient prior to elective procedures with deep sedation or general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: All patients were tentatively booked for an elective oral surgical procedure with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Our practice is for all female patients of child bearing years (age 12 to 50 years) to receive a presurgical pregnancy test. Patients who admitted to being pregnant had their surgery postponed and those that had a hysterectomy were not tested. A qualitative (urine test/cost $46) or quantitative (serum test/cost $64) human chorionic gonadotropin test was performed. The test results and a cost analysis were examined.