Removing gall bladder through laparoscope is called laparoscopic cholecystectomy, popularly known as Lap Chole. Recently in Apollo Hospitals Dhaka General & Lap Surgery Department, Senior Consultant Dr. G P N Varma performed Lap Chole Surgery in a 28 year old pregnant lady who was 23 weeks pregnant. This is the first of its kind in this hospital, says a press release. The patient was suffering from epigastric pain, dyspepsia and inability to eat properly ever since she became pregnant. Before coming to Apollo she attended and was investigated in other renowned hospital of the city without any significant relief. In Apollo Hospitals Dhaka, repeat ultrasonography revealed a tiny stone at the neck of her Gallbladder with inflammation of pancreas.

Dr. Varma, Senior Consultant General & Lap Surgery Department carries with him more than 20 years of experience in the field of General and Laparoscopic Surgery in India, Middle East and Europe. He joined Apollo Dhaka in November 2009 and performed the first liver resection surgery among others in this hospital. He also has expertise in the field of Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery for Obesity and Diabetes related Obesity patients.

As per Clinical Guidelines of September 2007 by the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice in the pregnant patient with gallbladder disease regardless of trimester. Recurrence of gall stones is a common complication of non-operative management in during pregnancy in addition to significant morbidity including; increased hospitalizations, spontaneous abortions, preterm labor, and preterm delivery compared to those undergoing cholecystectomy. Further, inflammation of pancreas, a common complication of Gallstone can result in fetal loss in 10% to 60% of pregnant patients. Guidelines suggest, in comparison to open cholecystectomy, the laparoscopic approach has equivalent outcomes and well established added benefits like decreased risk of spontaneous abortion and preterm labor.