Defining the anesthesia gap for reproductive health procedures in resource-limited settings

In resource-limited settings, severe shortages of anaesthetists and anaesthesiologists lead to surgical delays that increase maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity.

This literature review sought to more clearly understand the individual components of the anaesthesia gap pertaining to reproductive health surgeries and procedures in resource-limited settings.

Reviewing the 14 papers that met the inclusion criteria, the authors conclude that a shortage of trained anaesthesia providers, equipment, supplies, medications, and infrastructure, along with limitations in transportation in resource-limited settings have produced a wide gap between available anaesthesia services and the demand for them for reproductive health surgeries and procedures. Safe, affordable, and scalable solutions to address the anaesthesia gap are urgently needed.