Laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy. Review of anesthetic management, surgical considerations.
BACKGROUND
We present our experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pregnant patients, with consideration of the physiological changes of pregnancy affecting anesthetic and surgical management.


METHODS
We reviewed the medical records of all pregnant patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital between January 1, 1991 and April 30, 1995.


RESULTS
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed without complication in ten patients (gestational age 9-30 weeks). Details of anesthetic and surgical management are described. The anesthetic and surgical implications of pregnancy-associated physiological changes in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, and central nervous system are reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
With appropriate attention to the altered physiology of pregnancy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely and effectively during pregnancy.
Steinbrook
R A
RA
Department of Anesthesia, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Brooks
D C
DC
Datta
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods*; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011292:Premedication; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics