The risk of fetal loss during abdominopelvic surgery for non-obstetric reasons during pregnancy is greater for pelvic inflammatory conditions and for procedures performed in the first or second trimester, according to a large meta-analysis.

Canadian and Australian researchers, including clinical epidemiologist Professor Nancy Baxter from the University of Melbourne, say their results can help improve preoperative counselling for women.

In their review of 114 observational studies, the team analysed data from more than 67,000 pregnant patients undergoing appendectomy, adnexal, cholecystectomy and mixed surgery types to quantify the absolute risks of adverse fetal outcomes and maternal death.

Overall pooled proportions of fetal loss, preterm birth and maternal mortality were 2.8%, 9.7% and 0.04%, respectively.