LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY DURING PREGNANCY - REVIEW OF ANESTHETIC MANAGEMENT, SURGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Background: We present our experience with laparoscopic cholecystectom y in pregnant patients, with consideration of the physiological change s of pregnancy affecting anesthetic and surgical management. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of all pregnant patients undergoing la paroscopic surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital between January 1, 1991 and April 30, 1995. Results: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was per formed without complication in ten patients (gestational age 9-30 week s), Details of anesthetic and surgical management are described. The a nesthetic and surgical implications of pregnancy-associated physiologi cal changes in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, and central nervous system are reviewed. Conclusions: With appropriate att ention to the altered physiology of pregnancy, laparoscopic cholecyste ctomy can be performed safely and effectively during pregnancy.