Analyzing Outcome of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Pregnant Women

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a frequently performed surgery for gallbladder diseases, including during pregnancy when conservative treatments are ineffective. Although typically safe, surgery during pregnancy poses risks like preterm labor and fetal distress. Ensuring meticulous perioperative management is essential to reduce maternal and fetal complications. This study aimed at analyzing the outcomes and complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pregnant women. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from 26 March 2021 to 21 July 2022. A total of 87 pregnant women who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in this study purposively. The variables included patient age, gestational age, clinical diagnosis, surgical procedure performed, postoperative complications, and maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Data were processed, analyzed, and presented using MS Office tools. Results: The mean age of participants was 33.6 ±7.4 years, with a mean gestational 7.4 age of 28.3 ±4.9 weeks. Most of the participants (51.7%) were multiparous. All of them presented with right subcostal pain, and 98.8% had tenderness in the same region. Ultrasonography showed gallbladder wall thickness >4mm in all cases. Post-operative infections occurred in 8% of patients, with no mortality recorded. The majority (64.4%) had a hospital stay of just one day after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Conclusion: Right subcostal pain and tenderness are the commonest clinical features in pregnant women requiring laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy is also a safe and effective treatment procedure for managing gallstone disease.