Laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy. A report of two cases and review of the literature

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