Surgical site infections after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract EN

This study aimed to assess the impact of laparoscopy on surgical site infections (SSIs) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Previous investigations have demonstrated that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with a shorter postoperative stay and fewer overall complications.

Less is known about the impact of laparoscopy on the risk for SSIs.

A prospective study was performed in Basrah General Hospital on patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for three years period (2006-2008) to identify the Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) based on definition of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) System.

For 369 patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the overall percentage of SSI was 2.4%.

Infecting organisms were similar for superficial, deep and organ/space infection.

The overall risk of SSI rates were higher in patients with a contaminated or dirty wound (gall bladder retrieval wound), with open first access technique, following emergency procedures, in males, in patient's age 60 years or more, and with an American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) class III and more.

In conclusion, Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with a lower risk For SSI.