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.