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.