Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pregnancy: contraindicated or indicated?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has proven to be superior to traditional open cholecystectomy in uncomplicated cases of cholecystitis. The patients experience less pain with less need for narcotics, fewer incisional complications, earlier postoperative ambulation, and a shorter hospitalization. It is our opinion that pregnancy, previously considered an absolute contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is now an indication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in select patients. We describe one of our cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy. The patient was at 17 weeks gestation and had an unremarkable procedure and a recovery similar to that expected for a non-pregnant patient. Review of current literature has shown that this procedure can be done safely and with an excellent outcome for both the patient and her fetus.