It is generally believed that laparoscopic surgery is associated with a lower risk of complications such as adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes compared to open surgery.

However, in our new study of a Danish nationwide cohort of women with IBD who had undergone abdominal surgery prior to their pregnancy, we found no difference in outcomes based on laparoscopic versus open surgery. Women with ulcerative colitis did have an increased risk of preterm emergency cesarean section and neonatal intensive care but the risk wasn’t related to surgical approach.

The study allows us to identify women who potentially have an increased risk of difficult pregnancies or deliveries because of prior surgery for IBD. As they may benefit from more intensive antenatal follow-up, clinicians should have a low threshold of referring these women to specialized counseling.

Authors

Anders Mark-Christensen
Anthony Charles Ebert
Gry Juul Poulsen
Søren Laurberg
Jens Fuglsang
Tine Jess
Mette Julsgaard