GASLESS LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY IN PREGNANCY

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the surgical procedure of choice for most patients with cholecystitis, the safety of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum during pregnancy has not been fully elucidated. Pregnancy causes many physiologic changes, resulting in compromised cardiac, pulmonary, and metabolic reserves. The use of CO2 pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopy may cause further physiologic stress to both the parturient and the fetus. A case of gasless laparoscopic cholecystectomy is presented. This procedure avoids potential risks of both absorbed CO2 and increased intraabdominal pressure.