Laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy; is it safe?

ABSTRACT

Laparoscopic management of Biliopancreatic gallstone disease [BPD] during pregnancy remains controversial. Although perioperative problems and fetal loss have been reported, recent publications have advocated an early surgical approach. Twenty-eight patients, who required surgical treatment for BPD during pregnancy because of persistent symptoms, were randomly allocated into either laparoscopic or open surgery. Their mean age was 28 years, range 19-40 years. Thirteen patients underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy [LC], and 15 open cholecystectomy [OC], including one conversion from laparoscopic. There was no maternal mortality or morbidity. A single case of fetal loss occurred for a patient with acute cholecystitis who underwent OC during her 17[th] week of gestation. There was no statistically significant difference in preterm delivery rate between the LC and OC groups. Neither birth weights nor Apgar scores were significantly different across the groups. Early involvement of the obstetric team, with preoperative and postoperative fetal monitoring, and adequate management of anesthetic and tocolytic agents make laparoscopic cholecystectomy a safe procedure