Laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy: A five-year single-centre experience

Area of Science:

• Surgical Gastroenterology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Symptomatic gallstone disease is common in pregnancy, historically managed conservatively due to safety concerns.
• Advances in surgical and anesthetic techniques now support laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) during pregnancy.
• Evaluating perioperative outcomes and maternal-fetal safety of LC in pregnant patients is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in pregnant patients.
• To evaluate perioperative outcomes and maternal-fetal outcomes following LC during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• A hybrid retrospective-prospective observational study was conducted from 2021 to 2025.
• Included pregnant patients undergoing LC, collecting data on demographics, gestational age, surgical details, and outcomes.
• Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Thirteen pregnant patients underwent LC, with a mean age of 28.5 years and mean gestational age of 18.5 weeks.
• All procedures were completed laparoscopically without conversion; mean operative time was 45 minutes.
• No significant maternal surgical complications or fetal distress were observed; one patient had transient uterine contractions.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a safe and feasible option for symptomatic gallstone disease during pregnancy.
• Multidisciplinary planning, modified techniques, and fetal monitoring are key to successful outcomes.
• Findings support the use of minimally invasive surgery in selected pregnant patients.