LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY USING THE ABDOMINAL-WALL LIFT IN A CARDIAC PATIENT

We present a case report of a patient with impaired cardiac function a fter aortic valve replacement and open mitral commissurotomy who under went a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystolithiasis. In preven ting reduced cardiac output due to pneumoperitoneum, the laparoscopic operative procedure was performed using the abdominal wall lift. Cardi ac function was continuously evaluated by transesophageal echocardiogr aphic examination and remained stable during the surgery. Because of t he patient's co-existing chronic atrial fibrillation and prosthetic ao rtic valve, perioperative anticoagulation management was carried out. The patient's post-opeartive course was uneventful, and he was dischar ged on the 7th post-opeartive day.