L. Oconnor et al., THE PHOENIX INDIAN MEDICAL-CENTER EXPERIENCE WITH LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY DURING PREGNANCY, Surgical laparoscopy & endoscopy, 6(6), 1996, pp. 441-444
Since the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, there has been conce
rn about its efficacy in the pregnant patient. This article reports th
e largest series to date and adds to the growing evidence that the pro
cedure can be safely performed and has the potential to decrease morbi
dity and mortality. At the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, we performed
laparoscopic cholecystectomy in eight women in the second trimester a
nd one in the first trimester of pregnancy, and we attempted it in one
patient in her late second trimester. Intra-abdominal pressure was ma
intained at or below 15 mm Hg. Subsequently, all 10 patients had term
vaginal deliveries. In the pregnant patient, laparoscopic cholecystect
omy appears to be safe with no morbidity or mortality seen in this ser
ies. Early mobilization has the potential to decrease postoperative co
mplications and shorten hospital stay.