Does surgery or pregnancy pose additional risks?
Porphyria-related risks of surgery and pregnancy depends on the type of porphyria. Surgery may increase the risk of an attack of the acute porphyrias. This risk can be greatly reduced if certain precautions are taken, including the type of anesthesia used. The patient’s surgeon and anesthesiologist should consult a porphyria expert prior to hospitalization for surgery. Such consultation may also be helpful during pregnancy. Although attacks of acute porphyria can occur during pregnancy, the risk appears to be less than formally thought. Treatment of acute attacks during pregnancy is feasible.
