Can laparoscopic cholecystectomy or laparoscopic appendectomy be done safely in the pregnant patient? What are some technical considerations specific to operating laparoscopically on the pregnant patient?
- Yes, both laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy can be safely performed in the pregnant patient during any trimester.
- The second trimester is the ideal trimester to perform a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
- Gravid patients should be placed in a left lateral decubitus position, which will shift the uterus off the vena cava, improving venous return and cardiac output.
