At present a laparoscopic approach is increasingly the technique of choice, if abdominal surgery is necessary during pregnancy.

Based on a literature study the possibilities for laparoscopy during pregnancy are discussed and recommendations for laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy are provided.

The most frequent indications for laparoscopy during pregnancy are cholecystectomy, adnexal surgery and appendectomy.

The potential risks of laparoscopy during pregnancy are: trauma of the uterus, foetal acidosis due to carbon dioxide absorption, decreased maternal cardiac output and decreased utero-placental perfusion due to increased intraperitoneal pressure.

For laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy particular attention needs to be paid to the positioning of the patient, specific anaesthesiologic measures, cautious instrumentation and adjustment of the intra-abdominal pressure.

Based on the evidence available it can be concluded that laparoscopy can be performed safely during pregnancy if the aforementioned measures are taken and an experienced laparoscopic surgeon performs the surgery.