Randomized clinical assessment of the effect of prophylactic antibiotics in high-risk patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract

Aim: Prophylactic antibiotics in high-risk patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery,…….for the period of 1 year. Patient admitted for Laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into two groups A (who did not receive prophylactic antibiotics) and B (those who received antibiotics). Results: A total of 160 patients were included with Group A and B included 80 and 80 patients, respectively, with similar baseline demographic characteristics and preoperative indications for cholecystectomy. Surgical site infection occurred in six and four patients in the study and control group, respectively. All Surgical site infections were superficial and responded to conservative management only. None of the infected patients required intravenous therapy or hospitalization. Mean duration of hospital stay in patients not having received prophylactic antibiotics (Group A) approached significance (p=0.371) though the range (in days) was the same in both the groups. Conclusion: Prophylactic antibiotics play no role in the prevention of SSI in patients at high risk, undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The key to preventing postoperative infection lies in the aseptic minimally invasive operation and the necessary peritoneal lavage and drainage during LC.