Placenta Previa
Placental implantation over the cervical os, requiring cesarean delivery and special hemorrhage precautions.
Full Definition
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta implants in the lower uterine segment, partially or completely covering the internal cervical os. This condition mandates cesarean delivery and requires specialized anesthetic management due to the high risk of massive hemorrhage. Anesthetic planning includes ensuring adequate intravenous access, blood product availability, and consideration of invasive monitoring. Neuraxial anesthesia may be preferred when hemodynamically stable, but general anesthesia readiness is essential. The degree of previa (marginal, partial, or complete) influences bleeding risk and surgical complexity, affecting anesthetic preparation and monitoring requirements.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify degree (marginal, partial, complete) and document hemorrhage preparation measures.
In Context
- "Complete placenta previa required type and crossmatch for six units before cesarean delivery." — Pre-operative anesthesia planning
- "The anesthesiologist maintained general anesthesia readiness despite successful spinal for placenta previa." — Operative anesthesia record