Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Although pregnancy was initially considered an absolute contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, there have been several case reports of successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pregnant patients in the literature over the past 4 years. We report our experience with six patients managed successfully with laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy.

Methods: More than 1,300 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed by the Norfolk Surgical Group between May 1991 and June 1994. Six of these patients (∼0.5%) were operated on during pregnancy. We reviewed the management and operative technique used in these patients compared to our standard approach. The available literature was reviewed to identify any other factors which might be helpful in the management of these patients.

Results: In this series we were able to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy successfully in all six patients in whom it was attempted, with an overall course similar to that of nonpregnant patients. There were no significant complications to the patient or the fetus. All six patients have delivered healthy children and continue to do well.

Discussion: With the addition of our 6 patients, there have been 32 successful laparoscopic cholecystectomies during pregnancy reported in the English literature. We feel laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely in pregnant patients and should be considered in any patient who presents with symptomatic cholelithiasis during pregnancy.