Abstract
Differences in gender can influence perioperative outcome, with men and women being
differently affected by adverse events in the perioperative period. Differences relating
to specific drug effects, comorbidities and outcomes after anesthesia or intensive
care have been demonstrated. There is a gender bias in diagnosis and therapy. While
knowledge regarding this field is still growing, certain aspects have already been
integrated into clinical practice (prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting,
target-controlled infusion, male-only policy with production of blood products). There
is a need to study the influence of gender, age, and race on perioperative outcome
to optimize treatment and move toward more individualized therapy. This article highlights
already identified differences and discusses potential underlying mechanisms.
Keywords
sex - bias - treatment outcome - chronic pain - sex steroid hormones
