Surgical Site Infection Rates and Risk Factors in Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common postoperative complications, even in minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Understanding SSI rates and their associated risk factors is critical to improving patient outcomes. This prospective study evaluates SSI rates and explores potential risk factors in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods: A total of 200 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January 2022 and December 2022 were included. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, operative details, and SSI occurrence were collected. SSIs were classified based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Risk factors were analyzed using multivariate regression.

Results: SSI rate was observed in 8% of cases. Risk factors significantly associated with SSIs included obesity (p=0.03), diabetes mellitus (p=0.01), prolonged operative duration (p=0.02), and a history of prior abdominal surgery (p=0.04). Prophylactic antibiotic administration within one hour before incision was associated with a lower risk of SSIs (p=0.01).

Conclusion: While elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy has a low overall SSI rate, targeted strategies addressing modifiable risk factors, such as optimized glycemic control and operative duration, can further reduce SSI incidence. Preoperative prophylactic antibiotics remain a crucial preventive measure.