Cholecystectomy in the Third Trimester: Delay Is Best for the Baby

We thank Tolcher and colleagues for their interest in our study.1 However, we disagree with their position that cholecyststectomy in the third trimester is safe for both the pregnant woman and the baby. In their review article,2 old, uncontrolled, and underpowered studies are quoted to justify their recommendation to proceed with surgery during pregnancy. These same inadequate studies were used to justify current guidelines.3 In comparison, our analysis of nearly 18,000 pregnant women undergoing cholecystectomy in the third trimester or the 90 days after delivery is properly controlled and powered to draw appropriate conclusions.

Source: Journal of the American College of Surgeons - August 18, 2019 Category: Surgery Authors: Zhi V. Fong, David C. Chang, Henry A. Pitt Tags: Letter Source Type: research