LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY DURING PREGN ANCY - A REPORT OF 2 CASES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Although pregnancy is still widely considered to be a contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, several successful cases have been p ublished so far. This paper reports on two cases of laparoscopic chole cystectomy performed during the second trimester for recurrent biliary pancreatitis and acute cholecystitis. There were no intra- or postope rative complications, the obstetric course was also uneventful in both cases. Important aspects to be considered are the placement of trocar s and the pressure of the pneumoperitoneum, which should not exceed 12 mmHg. The need for intraoperative monitoring and cholangiography is c ontroversial. The results show, that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is n ot contraindicated during pregnancy, however, as in open cholecystecto my it should be performed only in cases, where conservative management fails.