Rd. Lang et H. Thiele, LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY DURING PREGN ANCY - A REPORT OF 2 CASES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE, Chirurg, 66(12), 1995, pp. 1225-1229
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.