Frequency And Risk Factor Assessment Of Port-Site Infection After Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy In Low-Risk Patients At A Tertiary Care Hospital Of Kashmir

Background and objectives: The study was conducted with the aim to determine frequency and to assess the risk factors of portsite infection after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in low-risk patients at a tertiary care hospital of Kashmir.Design and Setting: Prospective.Patients and Methods : The study included 675 consecutive patients of port-site infection after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis over a period of 12 months. Culture swabs were taken from port sites of all patients with signs of port site infection and transported to the microbiology laboratory. The positive swab cultures were noted. The risk factors like iatrogenic gallbladder perforation, two port method, experience of surgeon and age of the patients were assessed. The data obtained was analyzed by using appropriate statistical analytical tests. Results: The incidence of port-site infection after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy is 6.7%. The port site infection is more often superficial and at the epigastric port site, associated with iatrogenic gallbladder perforation and more likely when laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed by a junior surgeon and by two port method. Conclusion: The primary risk factor for port-site infection after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in otherwise normal patients is iatrogenic gallbladder perforation leading to spillage of bile.