Robotic-assisted cholecystectomy in the third trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

Acute and chronic cholecystitis commonly occur during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy put women at a higher risk of forming gallstones and biliary dyskinesia leading to disease. The standard of care for acute cholecystitis is to have an elective cholecystectomy within 48 hours. Extensive research exists on the current practice of performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pregnancy. Based on our review of the current literature, there is only one report that details a robotic cholecystectomy performed on a pregnant patient. This report will detail the methods used to perform the surgery and steps taken to ensure the safety of mother and fetus.  It will describe the unique circumstances surrounding the robotic technique used in this case and include the demographics and background of this patient, in an effort to promote this technique in future cases.

Key words: obstetrics, acute cholecystitis, symptomatic cholelithiasis, pregnancy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, robotic-assisted cholecystectomy