Laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background The operative management of symptomatic cholelithiasis during pregnancy is either laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) or open cholecystectomy (OC). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the outcomes of the laparoscopic and open approach for cholecystectomy during pregnancy. Method A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL and Current Contents Connect using appropriate search terms. All comparative studies reporting maternal, fetal, and/or surgical complications were included. Results Eleven comparative studies, with a total of 10,632 patients, were included. The laparoscopic approach was performed at mean 18-week gestation and the open approach at mean 24-week gestation. LC was associated with decreased risks for fetal (OR 0.42; 95 % CI 0.28–0.63; p