Emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy after cesarean section in pregnant women at 38 weeks: A clinical case

• Published in: International journal of surgery open 2022-09, Vol.46, p.100531, Article 100531
• Main Authors: Que Son, Tran, Quoc Ai, Dang, Manh Hung, Tran, Hieu Hoc, Tran, Minh Tuan, Nguyen, Van Truong, Trieu, Van Kien, Quach, Van Minh, Nguyen, Minh Hue, Bui Thi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cholecystectomy; Laparoscopic; Pregnancy
• ISSN: 2405-8572; 2405-8572
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijso.2022.100531

Acute cholecystitis due to gallstone disease during pregnancy often requires emergency surgical treatment. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) can be performed concurrently with cesarean section when surgical management can be delayed until after birth. A 25-year-old female patient was 38 weeks pregnant. On day five, she was taken to the hospital to treat cholecystitis. We performed emergency surgery in collaboration with the obstetrician and gastrointestinal surgery team. A healthy baby weighing 3200 g was born with an Apgar score of 9–10. After the closure of the vertical incision, a pneumoperitoneum was established, and the gallbladder was removed laparoscopically. On the sixth postoperative day, the patient was discharged from the hospital without complications. LC was performed immediately following cesarean delivery. The infant delivery diminished the size of the uterus, removing it from the surgical field. LC was thus performed in a safe, effective, and expeditious manner, providing a definitive treatment. Breastfeeding was unaffected because the patients had no dietary restrictions. The recoveries were uncomplicated, with better cosmetic results, short lengths of stay, and reasonable costs. Faster recovery, better cosmetic results, and better lactation outcomes are advantages of LC immediately after cesarean delivery. •Gallstone disease is the most prevalent nonobstetric indication during pregnancy.•At weeks 38–42 of pregnancy, incision choice and surgery method are complicated.•Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed concurrently with cesarean delivery.