PORTSIDE BACTERIOLOGICAL INFECTION AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is now the gold standard treatment of symptomatic gallstones. Our study aims to assess the prevalence of port-site infection in laparoscopic cholecystectomies, associated factors, and the most common organism causing port-side infections. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective institute-based study including all laparoscopic cholecystectomies in our institute during two years period from 1 May 2022 to 30 April 2024. This study includes a total of 847 laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Patients who developed PSI swabs were taken for culture and sensitivity in all. Excisional biopsies for chronic discharging sinuses were done and sent for histopathological studies. Results: PSI was found in 27/847 patients (3.19%). According to the site of port infection, 22 patients (81.48%) developed an infection at the epigastric port, 4 patients (14.81%) developed an infection at the umbilical port and only 1 patient (3.70%) developed an infection at the lateral port. About the results of swab culture and histopathology of tissue samples, 16 patients (59.26%) were infected by Gram-ve bacteria, 3 patients (11.11%) were infected by Gram +ve bacteria, 8 patients (29.63%) with no growth. In the patients with deep infection, tissue was sent for histopathology out of six patients 3 showed granulomatous lesion (11.11%) and 3 with inflammatory lesion. Conclusion: Port site infection is very problematic It is important that instruments should be cleaned thoroughly after each surgery and should be sent for ethylene trioxide sterilization It is important to prevent any spillage during retrieval of gallbladder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]