Successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy at 32 weeks of pregnancy - A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: During gestation, laparoscopic procedures, if needed, are generally considered most ideal within the second trimester. There are less reports of successful laparoscopic procedures in the third trimester of pregnancy due to performance hesitancy with concerns of preterm labor and/or other complications. While it is rare for laparoscopic cholecystectomy to be performed within the third trimester, it should not be delayed if needed, and excellent outcomes can be achieved with proper port placement and procedure. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 22-year-old female thirty-two weeks and six days into gestation who underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram after presenting with acute-on-chronic cholecystitis. The procedure was without complications, and both the patient and fetus remained stable following surgery, and were discharged on postoperative day 2. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The long-established belief is laparoscopic procedures should ideally be attempted in the second trimester to decrease the risk of preterm labor or spontaneous abortion in obstetric patients. Per SAGES guidelines, when clearly indicated, laparoscopic cholecystectomy should not be avoided in any trimester. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the relative safety of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the third trimester of pregnancy with emphasis on standard technique and proper port placement based on uterus size.