Cholecystitis in Pregnancy
Author Information
Author(s): Brian M. Casey, Susan M. Cox
Primary Institution: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Hypothesis
Acute cholecystitis can be difficult to recognize in pregnancy, but once diagnosed, management should be conservative and depend on gestational age.
Conclusion
Surgical intervention for acute cholecystitis in pregnancy should not be delayed, and planned surgery during the second trimester offers better outcomes than emergency surgery.
Supporting Evidence
- 81% of women with symptoms of gallbladder disease had their first attack within 1 year of pregnancy.
- The incidence of symptomatic biliary tract disease in pregnancy is 0.16%.
- Cholecystectomy is performed at a rate of 1-6/10,000 pregnancies.
- Only 2 of the 7 patients who presented in the first trimester had pregnancies that went to term.
Takeaway
Pregnant women can get gallbladder problems, and if they do, doctors should try to treat them carefully and plan surgery if needed.
Methodology
The study reviewed the incidence and management of biliary tract disease in pregnant women, analyzing outcomes based on gestational age.
Limitations
The exact prevalence of cholelithiasis in pregnancy is unknown, and many women are asymptomatic.
Participant Demographics
The study included over 45,000 pregnant women.
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