Prophylactic Antibiotic in Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies: Is it Mandatory?

Abstract Background: Prophylactic Antibiotics is an efficient tool in reduction of surgical infection. One of the most prevalent surgeries in laparoscopic field is laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Still the role of prophylactic antimicrobial in elective LC with low risk patients is unclear. Aim of Study: This research was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in reducing surgical site infection (SSI) in elective LC. Patients and Methods: During the period from November 2019 to November 2021, A randomized double-blind controlled trial was conducted in gastrointestinal and laparoscopic unit, Tanta University Hospital. Elective cholecystectomy for low risk patients with gall bladder stones were randomized into two groups. Group A patients received single dose of 1 gram of Ceftriaxone as a prophylactic antibiotic at induction of anesthesia while group P patients received a placebo of 10 ml isotonic sodium chloride. All patients were followed-up for 30 days. Results: No significant difference were found between both groups in the percentage of superficial site infection (A versus P: 4 (2.1%) versus 8 (4%) p=0.271). In both groups, no cases was presented with deep site infection as sub-phrenic collection or distant infection in form of urinary tract infection or pneumonia. Conclusion: Based on our findings, no role was found for prophylactic antibiotic in reducing the rate of surgical site infection for low risk cases who underwent elective LC.