A Case of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in the 28th Week of Pregnancy for Gallstone Pancreatitis

Abstract

A 39-year-old woman in the 28^th week of pregnancy visited our hospital for right hypochondriac pain and nausea. Because of gallstone pancreatitis, she was admitted to gastroenterology. Her condition improved with conservative therapy, but there was concern about the risk of recurrent gallstone pancreatitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed at 28 weeks of gestation. Initial port entry was a subxiphoid, open technique under direct vision. Intra-abdominal CO₂ insufflation pressures were maintained at 8 mmHg. The surgery was successful, with no postoperative complications. The patient was discharged on the 14^th postoperative day. She delivered a healthy baby at 35 weeks of gestation. In Japan, most cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy are performed in the 1^st or 2^nd trimester. In this case, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed safely in the 3^rd trimester.