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Laparoscopy during pregnancy: a literature review
F R Nezhat1, S Tazuke, C H Nezhat
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA.
JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Laparoscopic surgery, including adnexal mass removal and non-obstetric procedures like appendectomy and cholecystectomy, is safe and effective during pregnancy. This minimally invasive approach offers favorable outcomes for both mother and baby.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
Background:
- Pregnancy presents unique challenges for surgical management, particularly for non-obstetric conditions.
- Adnexal masses and acute abdominal conditions like appendicitis and cholecystitis require careful consideration during gestation.
- Laparoscopy offers potential benefits over open surgery, including reduced pain and faster recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on laparoscopy during pregnancy.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic procedures for adnexal masses and non-obstetric surgery in pregnant patients.
- To present a series of 9 cases managed laparoscopically during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive Medline literature search for laparoscopic adnexal surgery, appendectomy, and cholecystectomy in pregnancy.
- Inclusion of a series of 9 pregnant patients undergoing laparoscopy for adnexal mass or acute abdomen.
- Follow-up data collection through clinical visits, physician inquiries, and patient telephone calls.
Main Results:
- Literature review identified 42 cases of pelvic laparoscopy and 51 cases of abdominal laparoscopy (cholecystectomy, appendectomy) in pregnancy.
- Publications, especially for cholecystectomy, support the laparoscopic approach during gestation.
- All 9 patients in the presented series experienced favorable outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Advanced operative laparoscopy is a viable and successful surgical option for specific indications during pregnancy.
- Minimally invasive techniques can be safely applied to manage gynecological and general surgical emergencies in pregnant individuals.
- Laparoscopy provides a favorable risk-benefit profile for selected pregnant patients requiring surgery.