Role of prophylactic antibiotics in laparoscopic cholecystectomy and risk factors for surgical site infection: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this clinical trial was to determine whether prophylactic antibiotics could prevent surgical site infection (SSI) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to identify any risk factors for infection.

METHODS

The study included 100 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. They were randomized to receive either a single dose of ceftriaxone (Group A; n = 50) or physiologic saline as placebo (Group B; n = 50) after the induction of anesthesia. Patient demographics and clinical and surgical outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

The incidence of SSI was similar in the two groups: 2 patients in group A and 4 patients in group B (chi(2) = 0.71; p = 0.40). None of the factors studied was associated with surgical site infection statistically, as shown by binary logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

A single dose of prophylactic antibiotic failed to decrease the likelihood of SSI after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.