Abstract
Background: Laparoscopic surgery is known for its many advantages, but the use of this modality during pregnancy is still under discussion.
Methods: The subjects in this discussion are the unknown influence of the pneumoperitoneum and the fear of damaging the uterus while inserting the Veress needle and trocars. In a review of recent literature describing laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy, no complications were seen. We performed four laparoscopic appendectomies and three laparoscopic cholecystectomies between 12 and 33 weeks estimated gestational age (EGA).
Results: All pregnancies passed without complications and ended in at-term deliveries of healthy babies.
Conclusions: The risks, precautions to avoid them, and the safety of laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy are discussed in the light of our experience and reports in recent literature.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 26 September 1995/Accepted 3 May 1996
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lemaire, B., van Erp, W. Laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy . Surg Endosc 11, 15–18 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004649900286
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004649900286