Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pregnancy

Several recent literature reviews have shown that Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely in pregnant females with symptomatic gallbladder disease. We have performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent a cholecystectomy (6,080 patients) from January 1, 1990 until December 31, 1996 at San Pablo Medical Center. Lapa-cholecystecomy was performed in 4,252 (64%) and in the remaining 1,828 (36%) patients, an open cholecystectomy performed. Of the Laparoscopic cases, 5(0.1%) were performed in pregnant females with complicated gallbladder disease(GBD). The diagnosis of GBD was done with an abdominal sonogram. Four of the 5 patients had suffered from gallstones pancreatitis and one acute cholecystitis, prior to the operation. The records of patients were reviewed to secure the following variables, age, pre and post operative course and outcome. Intraoperative cholangiogram performed in 1 patient. No complications were seen in the mother or in the fetus in any of the five cases. Literature was reviewed to assess our reports.

Pregnant females with complicated gallbladder disease can be safely managed with Laparoscopic cholecystectomy.