Cholecystectomy in pregnancy

During the 17 years 1955 through 1971, 20 gravid patients underwent cholecystectomy. This represented 1 case for every 1259 deliveries (0.079% of 25,189 deliveries). The primary indication for surgery was repeated attacks of gallbladder colic. Generally, surgery was performed between the 10th and the 20th week of gestation. There was one spontaneous abortion; this occurred at 10 weeks of gestation, 42 days after surgery.