The Incidence of Intraoperative Hypotension and the Importance of Timely Detection

Aims: Intraoperative hypotension (IOH) is a common condition faced by anesthesiologists intraoperatively which poignanting patients undergoing surgery under general and neuraxial anesthesia. Its occurrence is associated with dangerous morbid situations found perioperatively that can lead into fatal complications, such as acute kidney failure, direct myocardial injury, and even can end in mortality. Despite advanced closed hemodynamic monitoring and protocols utilizing goal directed therapy, recent trend of management is remaining reactive. Anesthesiologists tend to intervene when the episode of hypotension has already occurred. This literature review aimed to discuss the incidence of intraoperative hypotension and its urgency to overcome intraoperatively.

Conclusion: The incidence of IOH varies based on the type of surgery, type of anesthesia and fragility of the patient, for example having comorbidities. Due to the rapid development of IOH which is unwanted, the effort reducing the hypotensive burden intraoperatively, as soon as possible is mandatory. By carefully predicting and preventing IOH through closed monitoring of patient’s blood pressure will surely improve patient outcome and prevent adverse unwanted post-operative event.