Meta-analysis of perioperative antibiotics in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in calculous cholecystitis: are antibiotics necessary?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with cholecystitis is considered the best, appropriate and safe method of treatment for gallstone disease. However, the role of antibiotic administration before or after cholecystectomy to reduce infectious complications, particularly surgical site infections, or mortality is less clear. Many patients receive empiric antibiotics, but the feasibility of their use has not been proven. Some guidelines suggest the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for all cholecystectomies, although current evidence does not indicate any benefit to this practice in the absence of risk factors. This review examines the results of antibiotic use in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for chronic and acute calculous cholecystitis. Most studies argue against the need to use prophylactic antibiotics during elective surgery in low-risk patients. In cases of mild and moderate acute cholecystitis, the use of antibiotics to prevent postoperative infectious complications has no evidence of effectiveness, although these recommendations are also ambiguous. It is not recommended to use postoperative antibiotics after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, as well as for mild or moderate acute cholecystitis. However, additional studies with well-defined patient populations and comparable outcomes are needed to better assess the most appropriate timing and duration of antibiotic use in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We used MedLine database on the PubMed platform and the Cochrane library to search for literature sources.

Effect of retrieval bags in preventing surgical site wound infection during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in liver cancer patients: A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis research was implemented to appraise the effect of retrieval bags (RBs) in preventing surgical site wound infection (SSWI) in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) in liver cancer (LC) patients. Inclusive literature research until April 2023 was done, and 1273 interconnected researches were reviewed. From a total of 11 researches that were chosen, 2559 ELC procedures in LC patients were at the starting point of the researches: 1273 of them were utilising RBs and 1286 were controls. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilised to appraise the consequence of RBs in preventing SSWI in ELC in LC patients by the dichotomous approach and a fixed or random model. RBs had significantly lower SSWI (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.38-0.76, p < 0.001) compared with controls in ELC in LC patients. However, no significant difference was found between RBs and controls in ELC in LC patients in bile spillage (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.21-1.24, p = 0.14), fascial extension (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.07-4.11, p = 0.55), postoperative collection (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.24-1.76, p = 0.40) and port site hernia (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.25-2.06, p = 0.54). RBs had significantly lower SSWI, and no significant difference was found in bile spillage, fascial extension, postoperative collection and port site hernia compared with controls in ELC in LC patients. However, caution needs to be taken when interacting with its values because there was a low sample size in some of the chosen researches and a low number of researches were found for some of the comparisons in the meta-analysis.

Propensity score-matched comparison of safety outcomes between high-risk and low-risk patients towards early hospital discharge after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), a common treatment for symptomatic gallstones, has demonstrated safety in low-risk patients. However, existing data are scarce regarding the safety of LC in high-risk patients and the feasibility of early hospital discharge.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included 2296 patients diagnosed with symptomatic gallstones who underwent LC at a tertiary care centre from January 2009 through December 2019. The authors employed propensity score matching to mitigate bias between groups. Statistical significance was set at P less than 0.05.

Results

The median age of the patients was 56 years (range 46-67), with a mean BMI of 25.2±4.3 kg/m2. Patients were classified as: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I (19.7%), II (68.3%), III (12.0%), and IV (0%). ASA I-II included low surgical risk patients (88%) and ASA III-IV comprised high-risk patients (12%). The LC-related 30-day reoperative rate was 0.2% and the readmission rate was 0.87%. Nine patients (0.4%) sustained major bile duct injuries, resulting in a conversion rate of 2.4%. The postoperative mortality rate was 0.04%, and the mean hospitalization time was 3.5 days. Patients in the high-risk group with a history of acute cholecystitis exhibited greater estimated blood loss, longer operative times, and were significantly more likely to be in the longer-stay group.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that LC can be conducted safely on high-risk patients, and early hospital discharge is achievable. However, specific factors, such as a history of acute cholecystitis, may result in prolonged hospitalization owing to increased blood loss and longer operative times.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of antibiotic prophylaxis versus no antibiotic prophylaxis for acute cholecystectomy

OBJECTIVE

For acute cholecystitis, the treatment of choice is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In mild-to-moderate cases, the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of postoperative infectious complications (POICs) lacks evidence regarding its cost-effectiveness when compared with no prophylaxis. In the context of rising antimicrobial resistance, there is a clear rationale for a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) to determine the most efficient use of National Health Service resources and antibiotic routine usage.

DESIGN

16 of 226 patients (7.1%) in the single-dose prophylaxis group and 29 of 231 (12.6%) in the non-prophylaxis group developed POICs. A CEA was carried out using health outcome data from thePerioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in the treatment of acute cholecystitis (PEANUTS II) multicentre, randomised, open-label, non-inferiority, clinical trial. Costs were measured in monetary units using pound sterling, and effectiveness expressed as POICs avoided within the first 30 days after cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

This CEA produced an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of -£792.70. This suggests a modest cost-effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis being marginally less costly and more effective than no prophylaxis. Three sensitivity analyses were executed considering full adherence to the antibiotic, POICs with increased complexity and break-point analysis suggesting caution in the recommendation of systematic use of antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of POICs.

CONCLUSION

The results of this CEA point to greater consensus in UK-based guidelines surrounding the provision of antibiotic prophylaxis for mild-to-moderate cases of acute cholecystitis.

The effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on the incidence of surgical site infection after laparoscopic appendectomy for chronic appendicitis

Background

The guidelinesthat specify whether antibiotic prophylaxis should be administered before laparoscopic clean-contaminated wound to prevent postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) need to be improved. Studies have shown that elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with clean-contaminated wound does not require antibiotic prophylaxis. However, there are no studies on the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on SSI after laparoscopic appendectomy for chronic appendicitis (LCA), which is a clean-contaminated wound.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 106 effective patients were randomly divided into the antibiotic group and saline group. Cefuroxime or clindamycin was administered intravenously in the antibiotic group (n = 52). Saline (0.9%) was administered intravenously in the saline group (n = 54). Interventions were administered as a single dose 30 min before surgery.

Results

Among the 106 effective patients (median age, 37 years old [IQR, 25-45]; females, 77 [72.6%]), there were 6 cases (5.70%) of SSI: 3 cases (5.56%) in the saline group and 3 cases (5.70%) in the antibiotic group (OR = 1.00, [95% CI (0.20-5.4)], P = 0.96). There were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes of anal exhaust time, postoperative complications, and the symptom of primary abdominal pain between the two groups.

Conclusion

For patients with chronic appendicitis undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy, preoperative intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis did not reduce the risk of SSI within 30 days of the surgery compared to the saline group.

Trial registration

Registration number of China Clinical Trials Registration Center: ChiCTR2100048336.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Bag Extraction Versus Direct Extraction for Retrieval of Gallbladder After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This analysis aims to evaluate the comparative outcomes of gallbladder extraction with a bag versus direct extraction in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). A systematic online search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane database, The Virtual Health Library, Clinical trials.gov, and Science Direct. Comparative studies comparing bag versus direct extraction of the gallbladder in LC were included. Outcomes were surgical site infection (SSI), the extension of fascial defect to extract the gallbladder, intra-abdominal collection, bile spillage, and port-site hernia. Revman 5.4 (Cochrane, London, United Kingdom) was used for the data analysis. The results show eight studies were eligible to be included in this review with a total number of 1805 patients divided between endo-bag (n=835) and direct extraction (n=970). Four of the included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) while the rest were observational studies. The rate of SSI and bile spillage were significantly higher in the direct extraction group: odds ratio (OR)=2.50, p=0.006 and OR=2.83, p=0.01, respectively. Comparable results were observed regarding intra-abdominal collection between the two groups(OR=0.01, p=0.51). However, the extension of a fascial defect was higher in the endo-bag group (OR=0.22, p=0.00001), and no difference was observed regarding the port-site hernia rate (OR-0.70, p=0.55). In conclusion, extraction of the gallbladder with an endo-bag provides a lower rate of SSI and bile spillage with similar results regarding post-operative intra-abdominal collection. Although with the endo-bag, the fascial defect will more likely need to be increased to extract the gallbladder. However, the port-site hernia rate remains similar between the two groups.

Solve study: a study to capture global variations in practices concerning laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of published data on variations in practices concerning laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The purpose of this study was to capture variations in practices on a range of preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative aspects of this procedure.

METHODS

A 45-item electronic survey was designed to capture global variations in practices concerning laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and disseminated through professional surgical and training organisations and social media.

RESULTS

638 surgeons from 70 countries completed the survey. Pre-operatively only 5.6% routinely perform an endoscopy to rule out peptic ulcer disease. In the presence of preoperatively diagnosed common bile duct (CBD) stones, 85.4% (n = 545) of the surgeons would recommend an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) before surgery, while only 10.8% (n = 69) of the surgeons would perform a CBD exploration with cholecystectomy. In patients presenting with gallstone pancreatitis, 61.2% (n = 389) of the surgeons perform cholecystectomy during the same admission once pancreatitis has settled down. Approximately, 57% (n = 363) would always administer prophylactic antibiotics and 70% (n = 444) do not routinely use pharmacological DVT prophylaxis preoperatively. Open juxta umbilical is the preferred method of pneumoperitoneum for most patients used by 64.6% of surgeons (n = 410) but in patients with advanced obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m2, only 42% (n = 268) would use this technique and only 32% (n = 203) would use this technique if the patient has had a previous laparotomy. Most surgeons (57.7%; n = 369) prefer blunt ports. Liga clips and Hem-o-loks® were used by 66% (n = 419) and 30% (n = 186) surgeons respectively for controlling cystic duct and (n = 477) 75% and (n = 125) 20% respectively for controlling cystic artery. Almost all (97.4%) surgeons felt it was important or very important to remove stones from Hartmann's pouch if the surgeon is unable to perform a total cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights significant variations in practices concerning various aspects of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A Double-Blinded, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Elective Non-Hysterectomy Laparoscopic Surgery for Benign Gynaecological Conditions: A Pilot Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility of a double-blinded randomised, placebo-controlled study in determining the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing postoperative infections (POI) in elective non-hysterectomy laparoscopic procedures for benign gynaecological conditions.

DESIGN

Double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

University-affiliated tertiary referral hospital in Sydney, Australia.

PATIENTS

Women over the age of 18 undergoing elective non-hysterectomy laparoscopic procedures for benign gynaecological conditions were eligible for the study and approached.

INTERVENTIONS

Prior to surgery, participants were randomised to receive either 2g cephazolin or placebo (10ml normal saline) administered by the anaesthetist. Participants and other research staff were blinded to group allocation.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome was study feasibility measured by recruitment rates, compliance rates of drug administration, compliance rates of delivery, maintenance of double blinding and follow-up rates. Secondary outcomes included rate of postoperative infections, length of hospitalisation, re-admission to hospital, unscheduled presentations to healthcare facilities and antibiotic-related reactions. Between February 2019 and March 2021, 170 patients were approached with 117 (68.8%) participants recruited and randomised. The study had a high compliance rate of trial drug delivery (95.7%) and a high follow-up rate (99.1%).

CONCLUSION

This pilot study has demonstrated feasibility of a large-scale study with a recruitment rate of 68% of patients approached and excellent trial drug delivery and follow-up rates. As anticipated, it is underpowered for identifying clinically significant findings for postoperative infection rates. A large-scale study is appropriate and essential to determine the health-related risks of antibiotic prophylaxis with an emphasis on antimicrobial stewardship. The sample size for a large-scale study is 1678 participants based on infection rates in this pilot study.

Current practice of antibiotic prophylaxis in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy among surgeons of the Armed Forces Medical Services of India

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the most common surgery done in general surgical practice worldwide. Despite clear guidelines recommending against the routine use of antibiotic prophylaxis (ABP) for elective LC by professional entities such as the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) etc., most surgeons are not convinced about omitting ABP in low-risk LC. Thus, this study aimed at capturing the practice of administering ABP in elective LC among surgeons of Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).

METHODS

This was a survey based on an electronic, cross-sectional, self-completion questionnaire that was designed and disseminated amongst 184 surgeons of the AFMS, online, and the data was collated centrally.

RESULTS

64% of surgeons completed the survey. The majority (85%) of surgeons used ABP routinely in elective LC. In the univariate analysis, only the number of years of surgical experience and the total number of LC done in an entire career, and in the multivariate analysis age group of the surgeon, surgical experience and designation were significant factors for avoiding routine ABP in elective LC. Amongst the surgeons administering ABP, only 30% administered a single dose, 73% chose a single agent and Cefotaxime (57%) was the commonest antibiotic used.

CONCLUSION

This study found that there is a high prevalence of use of antibiotic prophylaxis in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy amongst the surgeons of the AFMS. There was a wide variation in terms of choice of antibiotics, administering single or multiple doses and as a single agent or combination therapy.

REGISTERED WITH CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY OF INDIA

CTRI/2019/03/018092.

Evaluation of bile sterility in patients undergoing liver resection

Introduction: Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for liver tumors. Significant differences in complication rates between liver surgery centers have been reported ranging from 4.1% up to 47.7%. There have been little papers or studies on the impact of bile infection on postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for liver cancer. Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the etiology of bile infections in patients following liver resection and to evaluate its impact on complications and perioperative mortality. Materials and methods: The studied material consisted of 69 patients undergoing surgery for liver tumors at the Department of General and Transplant Surgery of the Medical University of Lodz between 2011 and 2013, when the intraoperative bile cultures were available. Results: The intraoperative bile cultures were positive for bacteria in 12 cases (18.75%), while in other cases the bile was sterile (n = 52). In 41.61% of cases, a methicillin-resistant strain was identified. Two patients presented with jaundice, associated with abdominal pain in one patient; other patients complained of abdominal pain only (jaundice: 16.67%; abdominal pain: 91.67%). In both cases, jaundice was not accompanied by any other typical symptoms of cholangitis; also, palliative surgery was performed in both cases. In patients with confirmed bile infection, jaundice was significantly more common (16.67% vs 0.00%; p = 0.033). Patients with sterile bile cultures reported weight loss significantly more often compared to patients with bile infection (26.90% vs 0.00%; p = 0.042). The hospital stay was longer in patients with bile infection (p = 0.138), whereas the hospitalization was significantly longer in patients infected with methicillin-resistant strains compared to both patients with sterile bile and those with bile infection with non-resistant strains. Conclusions: The causes and real incidence of asymptomatic bile infection remain unknown. Routine bile cultures in patients undergoing liver surgery may prevent complications by early modification of antibiotic regime considering the antibiogram, and identification of the most common causes of asymptomatic bile infection may translate to better preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Hepato-Biliopancreatic Surgery—A Systematic Review

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most important determinants of morbidity after HBP surgery. Their frequency after HPB surgery is variable, from 1–2% after elective cholecystectomy to 25% after PD. Methods: A systematic review was performed to assess the role of antimicrobial prophylaxis (AP) in HPB elective surgery. Articles published between 2015 and 2021 were obtained; those before 2015 were not included because they antedate the WHO guidelines on SSI prevention. We conducted three different research methods for liver resection, elective cholecystectomy and pancreatic and biliary surgery regarding patients requiring preoperative biliary drainage. Results: Hepatic surgery, improvement in surgical technique and perioperative management lead to a very low SSI. One preoperative 2 g cefazolin dose may be adequate for surgical prophylaxis. From preoperative biliary drainage, we can derive that patients’ homeostasis rather than AP plays a paramount role in reducing postoperative morbidity. The time from biliary drainage could be an essential element in decision making for surgical prophylaxis. In the case of low-risk cholecystectomy, it is not easy to draw definitive conclusions about the effect of AP. Data from the literature are inconsistent, and some risk factors cannot be predicted before surgery. Conclusion: in our opinion, a strict preoperative cefazolin dose strategy can be reasonable in HBP surgery until a large-scale, multicentric RCT brings definitive conclusions.

Review of Perioperative Prophylactic Antibiotic Use during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and Subsequent Surgical Site Infection Development at a Single Children's Hospital

OBJECTIVES

 With the rise of antibiotic resistance, the use of prophylactic preoperative antibiotics (PPA) has been questioned in cases with low rates of surgical site infection (SSI). We report PPA usage and SSI rates after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 A retrospective review of children younger than 18 years who underwent elective outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy between July 2010 and August 2020 was performed. Demographic, preoperative work-up, antibiotic use, intraoperative characteristics, and SSI data were collected via chart review. SSI was defined as clinical signs of infection that required antibiotics within 30 days of surgery.

RESULTS

 A total of 502 patients met the inclusion criteria; 50% were preoperatively diagnosed with symptomatic cholelithiasis, 47% with biliary dyskinesia, 2% with hyperkinetic gallbladder, and 1% with gallbladder polyp(s). The majority were female (78%) and Caucasian (80%). In total, 60% (n = 301) of patients received PPA, while 40% (n = 201) did not; 1.3% (n = 4) of those who received PPA developed SSI, compared with 5.5% (n = 11) of those who did not receive PPA (p = 0.01). Though PPA use was associated with a 77% reduction in the risk of SSI in multivariate analysis (p = 0.01), all SSIs were superficial. One child required readmission for intravenous antibiotics, while the remainder were treated with outpatient antibiotics. Gender, age, body mass index, ethnicity, and preoperative diagnosis did not influence the likelihood of receiving PPA.

CONCLUSION

 Given the relatively low morbidity of the superficial SSI, conservative use of PPA is advised to avoid contributing to antibiotic resistance.

Estimated Costs Associated with Surgical Site Infections in Patients Undergoing Cholecystectomy

Among healthcare-associated infections, surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most frequent in Spain. The aim of this work was to estimate the costs of SSIs in patients who underwent a cholecystectomy at the Hospital General Universitario de Alicante (Spain) between 2012-2017. This was a prospective observational cohort study. The Active Epidemiological Surveillance Program at our hospital recorded all the cholecystectomies performed. Risk factors associated with the development of SSIs were determined by multivariate analysis and two homogeneous comparison groups were obtained by using the propensity score. The number of extra days of hospital stay were recorded for patients with an SSI and with the cost per hospitalised day data, the additional cost attributed to SSIs was calculated. A total of 2200 cholecystectomies were considered; 110 patients (5.0%) developed an SSI. The average length of hospital stay was 5.6 days longer among patients with an SSI. The cost per SSI was EUR 1890.60 per patient, with the total cost for this period being EUR 207,961.60. SSIs after cholecystectomy lead to a prolongation of hospital stay and an increase in economic costs. It is essential to implement infection surveillance and control programs to reduce SSIs, improve patient safety, and reduce economic burden.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for acute cholecystectomy: PEANUTS II multicentre randomized non-inferiority clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommending antibiotic prophylaxis at emergency cholecystectomy for cholecystitis were based on low-quality evidence. The aim of this trial was to demonstrate that omitting antibiotics is not inferior to their prophylactic use.

METHODS

This multicentre, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority clinical trial randomly assigned adults with mild-to-moderate acute calculous cholecystitis (immediate cholecystectomy indicated) to 2 g cefazolin administered before incision or no antibiotic prophylaxis. The primary endpoint was a composite of all postoperative infectious complications in the first 30 days after surgery. Secondary endpoints included all individual components of the primary endpoint, other morbidity, and duration of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Sixteen of 226 patients (7.1 per cent) in the single-dose prophylaxis group and 29 of 231 (12.6 per cent) in the no-prophylaxis group developed postoperative infectious complications (absolute difference 5.5 (95 per cent c.i. -0.4 to 11.3) per cent). With a non-inferiority margin of 10 per cent, non-inferiority of no prophylaxis was not proven. The number of surgical-site infections was significantly higher in the no-prophylaxis group (5.3 versus 12.1 per cent; P = 0.010). No differences were observed in the number of other complications, or duration of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Omitting antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended.

RISK FACTORS FOR SURGICAL WOUND INFECTION AFTER ELECTIVE LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

One of the ways to avoid infection after surgical procedures is through antibiotic prophylaxis. This occurs in cholecystectomies with certain risk factors for infection. However, some guidelines suggest the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for all cholecystectomies, although current evidence does not indicate any advantage of this practice in the absence of risk factors.

RISK FACTORS FOR SURGICAL WOUND INFECTION AFTER ELECTIVE LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

BACKGROUND:

One of the ways to avoid infection after surgical procedures is through antibiotic prophylaxis. This occurs in cholecystectomies with certain risk factors for infection. However, some guidelines suggest the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for all cholecystectomies, although current evidence does not indicate any advantage of this practice in the absence of risk factors.

AIMS:

This study aims to evaluate the incidence of wound infection after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies and the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in these procedures.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective study of 439 patients with chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, accounting for different risk factors for wound infection.

RESULTS:

There were seven cases of wound infection (1.59%). No antibiotic prophylaxis regimen significantly altered infection rates. There was a statistically significant correlation between wound infection and male patients (p=0.013). No other analyzed risk factor showed a statistical correlation with wound infection.

CONCLUSIONS:

The nonuse of antibiotic prophylaxis and other analyzed factors did not present a significant correlation for the increase in the occurrence of wound infection. Studies with a larger sample and a control group without antibiotic prophylaxis are necessary.

A pilot randomised controlled trial of patient education to improve umbilical cleanliness prior to laparoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND

Before laparoscopic abdominal surgery, surgeons frequently remove debris from patients' umbilici to prevent it from passing into the abdomen and optimise skin antisepsis. This task irritates the skin, takes time and contaminates sterile equipment. This pilot randomised controlled trial aimed to inform a definitive study investigating whether patient education improves umbilical cleanliness in these patients.

METHODS

To generate data on effect size and sample size, adult patients undergoing elective and emergency laparoscopic abdominal surgery were randomised to an intervention group, who received an education pack to clean their umbilicus prior to surgery, or a control group, who received no pack. Umbilical cleanliness was measured using a novel scale. To assess scale validity and reliability, all umbilici were scored by nine surgeons and surgical trainees using photographs and umbilici were swabbed to estimate bacterial load. Intervention acceptability was assessed via study consent and withdrawal rates and trial feasibility was evaluated using qualitative insights documented by investigators.

RESULTS

Seventy-one percent (22/31) of the intervention group had clean umbilici versus 61% (19/31) in the control group. A definitive trial would require 712 participants to show statistical significance between study groups. The umbilical cleanliness scale had excellent interrater and test-retest reliability and a moderate degree of convergent validity with respect to bacterial load. The intervention was highly acceptable to participants, and theatre nurses and surgical trainees were central to trial feasibility.

CONCLUSION

A definitive trial is warranted and would contribute to an evidence-based, standardised approach to preoperative care. Trial registration no. ACTRN12620000278932.

Reduction of risk of infection during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy using prophylactic antibiotics: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether perioperative administration is required in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with low risk of infection remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether perioperative use of prophylactic antibiotics during elective LC can reduce the incidence of postoperative infection using a meta-analysis.

METHODS

Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and reference lists were searched up to October 26, 2020, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the perioperative use of antibiotics during LC. A systematic review with meta-analysis, meta-regression, and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) of the evidence was conducted. The Cochrane (RoB 2.0) tool was used to assess the risk of bias.

RESULT

A total of 14 RCTs were ultimately included in the meta-analysis, involving a total of 4360 patients. The incidence of surgical site infections, distant infections, and overall infections was investigated and the relationship with the perioperative use of prophylactic antibiotics during LC analyzed. The results indicated that in low-risk patients undergoing elective LC, prophylactic antibiotics reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.45-0.98), with a moderate GRADE of evidence, distant infections (RR 0.34; 95% CI 0.16-0.73), with a low GRADE of evidence and overall infections (RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.40-0.80), with a moderate GRADE of evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis demonstrates that the perioperative use of antibiotics in LC is effective in low-risk patients, possibly reducing the incidence of surgical site infections, distant infections, and overall infections. However, in view of the limitations of the study, it is recommended that studies with a more rigorous design (for downgraded factors) and larger sample size should be conducted in the future so that the conclusions above can be further verified through key result indicators.

Empirical antibiotics for acute cholecystitis-what generation of antibiotics is an appropriate choice? A prospective, randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

In cases of acute cholecystitis (AC), empirical antibiotics are used to prevent infectious morbidities following cholecystectomy. However, there are still no exact guidelines on which antibiotics to use.

METHODS

We enrolled 300 patients who had been admitted for cholecystectomy because of grade I or II AC. We randomly allocated them to one of two groups empirically: the first group was to be given first-generation cephalosporins (group I, 150 patients) and the second group was to be given second-generation cephalosporins (group II, 150 patients). We analyzed the clinical outcomes and the incidence of postoperative infectious morbidities.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of overall infectious morbidities (18 cases, 12% in group I; 17 cases, 11.3% in group II; P = .859) showed no difference between the two groups. The incidence rate of sepsis (only one case, 0.7% in group II, P = 1.000) or surgical site infection (nine cases, 6% in group I and eight cases, 5.3% in group II, P = 1.000) were also similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The empirical use of first-generation cephalosporins for mild-to-moderate AC without gallbladder perforation was not inferior to using second-generation cephalosporin for prophylaxis against postoperative infection. Our results could allow for a tailored treatment strategy of empirical antibiotics according to the severity of the cholecystitis.

Prospective Control Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Prophylactic Antibiotics in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on Infection Rate

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCC) for the reduction of postoperative infection rate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Elective LCC was performed on 529 patients at Jeonbuk National University Hospital between April 2015 and August 2017. A total of 509 patients were enrolled based on the inclusion criteria. This prospective study compared the results for antibiotic group (AG) (n=249, cefotetan 1 g, 1 dose/prophylactic) and non-antibiotic group (NAG) (n=260).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups: AG and NAG (p=0.580, 0.782, and 0.325, respectively). Levels of C-reactive protein were higher in NAG compared to AG at postoperative day 2 (16.6±24.2 vs. 24.2±40.6; p=0.033). There were no significant differences in white blood cell counts and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Fever ≥38℃ on postoperative day 2 occurred in 3 (1.2%) and 9 (3%) patients in AG and NAG, respectively. One patient in each group had subhepatic fluid collection by abdominal computed tomography, but there was no evidence of infection. Two patients in NAG (3%) had serous wound drainage on postoperative day 14.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed no significant differences in patients receiving or not receiving prophylactic antibiotics during LCC. Therefore, it is not necessary to use prophylactic antibiotics during elective LCC in patients who meet the inclusion criteria.

An Alternative Technique in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies: Removal Without a Specimen Bag

The use of specimen retrieval bags in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies remains a customary practice intended to reduce surgical site infections. The lack of supporting evidence suggests that specimen bags may not be necessary. Thus, we present an alternative approach without the use of disposable instruments to reduce excessive healthcare costs while maintaining comparable surgical outcomes.

USA Department of Defense audit of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis prescribing patterns in inguinal hernia repair

PURPOSE

Antibiotic prophylaxis in inguinal hernia repair (IHR) is contentious in literature and practice. In low-risk patients, for whom evidence suggests antibiotic prophylaxis is unnecessary, many surgeons still advocate for its routine use. This study surveys prescription patterns of Department of Defense (DoD) general surgeons.

METHODS

An anonymous survey was sent electronically to approximately 350 DoD general surgeons. The survey asked multiple-choice and free text answers about prescribing patterns and knowledge of current evidence for low-risk patients undergoing elective open inguinal hernia repair without mesh (OIHRWOM), open inguinal hernia repair with mesh (OIHRWM), or laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR).

RESULTS

110 DoD general surgeons consented to participate. 58.6, 95 and 84.2% of surgeons always administer antibiotic prophylaxis in OIHRWOM, OIHRWM, and LIHR, respectively. 37.9, 70.9, and 63.2% of surgeons believe that it reduces rates of surgical site infection in OIHRWOM, OIHRWM, and LIHR, respectively. The most common reasons for empirically prescribing antibiotic prophylaxis include "I think the evidence supports it" (27 of 72 responses), "I would rather be conservative and safe" (15 of 72 responses), and "I am following my hospital/department guidelines" (9 of 72 responses). 11.8, 40.8, and 32.9% of surgeons believe current evidence supports antibiotic prophylaxis use in OIHRWM, OIHRWOM, and LIHR, respectively. 50, 18.4, and 22.4% of surgeons believe current evidence refutes antibiotic prophylaxis use in OIHRWM, OIHRWOM, and LIHR, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The survey results indicate that the majority of practicing DoD general surgeons still empirically prescribe surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in IHR despite more conflicting opinions that it has no meaningful effect or that current evidence does not supports its use.

Use of retrieval bag in the prevention of wound infection in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy: is it evidence-based? A meta-analysis

Background

Surgical site infections complicate elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies in 2,4-3,2% of cases. During the operation the gallbladder is commonly extracted with a retrieval bag. We conducted a meta-analysis to clarify whether its use plays a role in preventing infections.

Methods

Inclusion criteria: elective cholecystectomy, details about the gallbladder extraction and data about local or systemic infection rate. Exclusion criteria: cholecystitis, jaundice, concurrent antibiotic therapy, immunosuppression, cancer. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library and MEDLINE databases was carried out independently by two researchers, according to the PRISMA guidelines and applying the GRADE approach. Terms used were (“gallbladder”AND(“speciment”OR“extraction”OR“extract”))OR(“gallbladder”OR“cholecystectomy”)AND(“bag”OR“retrieval|”OR|“endobag”OR“endocatch”).

Results

The comprehensive literature revealed 279 articles. The eligible studies were 2 randomized trials and a multicentre prospective study. Wound infections were documented in 14 on 334 (4,2%) patients operated using a retrieval bag versus 16 on 271 (5,9%) patients operated without the use of a retrieval bag. The statistical analysis revealed a risk ratio (RR) of 0.82 (0.41–1.63 95% CI). Concerning sensitivity analysis the estimated pooled RR ranged from 0.72 to 0.96, both not statistically significant. Harbord test did not reveal the occurrence of small-study effect (p = 0.892) and the funnel-plot showed no noteworthy pattern.

Conclusions

The results of this review highlight the paucity of well-designed large studies and despite limitations related to the low level of evidence, our meta-analysis showed no significant benefit of retrieval bags in reducing the infection rate after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In absence of acute cholecystitis, accidental intraoperative gallbladder perforation or suspected carcinoma their use, to date, may not be mandatory, so that, further studies focusing on complex cases are needed.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12893-018-0442-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Role of prophylactic antibiotics in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Backgrounds/Aims

The role of prophylactic antibiotics for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in low-risk patients is still unclear. This study aimed to verify the conclusion of previous meta-analyses concerning the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in low-risk patients.

Methods

Comprehensive literature searches were performed on electric databases and manual searches. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective studies, and retrospective studies comparing antibiotic prophylaxis to placebo or no antibiotics in low-risk elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included.

Results

This study included 28 RCTs, three prospective studies, and three retrospective studies. In RCTs, prophylactic antibiotics did not prevent deep surgical site infections (SSI) (RR 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.45–2.69], p=0.84) but reduced SSI (RR 0.70, 95% CI [0.53–0.94], p=0.02), and superficial SSI (RR 0.58, 95% CI [0.42–0.82], p=0.01). Prospective studies showed prophylactic antibiotics did not reduce superficial SSI (RR 0.35, 95% CI [0.01–8.40], p=0.52) but reduced SSI (RR 0.12, 95% CI [0.04–0.35], p=0.0001). In retrospective studies, antibiotic prophylaxis did not reduce SSI (RR 1.59, 95% CI [0.30–8.32], p=0.58). The pooled data (12121 patients) including RCTs and prospective and retrospective studies showed that prophylactic antibiotics were not effective in preventing deep SSI (RR 1.01 95% CI [0.46–2.21], p=0.98) but effective in reducing SSI (RR 0.67, 95% CI [0.51–0.88], p=0.003) and superficial SSI (RR 0.61, 95% CI [0.45–0.83], p=0.002).

Conclusions

The use of prophylactic antibiotics is effective for reducing the incidence of SSI and superficial SSI but is not effective for preventing deep SSI in low-risk patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: a Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness and harms of using antibiotic prophylaxis (ABP) versus placebo/no intervention in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (eLCC) to prevent surgical site infection (SSI).

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, LILACS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception to October 2017. We included clinical trials which involved adults at low risk undergoing eLCC and compared ABP versus placebo/no intervention. The primary outcome was SSI and secondary outcomes were other infections and adverse effects. Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias. We performed the statistical analysis in R and reported information about risk difference (RD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I² test. We produced network diagrams to show the amount of evidence available for each outcome and the most frequent comparison.

RESULTS

We included 18 studies in qualitative and quantitative analysis. The antibiotics most commonly studied were cefazolin and cefuroxime. We found high risk of detection bias in one study and attrition bias in another. Unclear risks of selection, performance, and detection bias were frequent. For SSI, we found no heterogeneity I² = 0% and no inconsistency p = 0.9780. No significant differences were found when compared ABP versus placebo/no intervention. Cefazolin had a RD of - 0.00 (95% CI - 0.01 to 0.01). We found no differences in regular meta-analysis, with a RD of - 0.00 (95% CI - 0.01 to 0.01) as well as for intra-abdominal and distant infections. Adverse effects were only assessed in one study, without any case reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review demonstrated no differences between ABP versus placebo/no intervention when using to prevent SSI and intra-abdominal and distant infections in patients at low risk undergoing eLCC.

Prophylactic Antibiotics for Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Surgical site infections with elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy are less frequent and less severe, leading some to suggest that prophylactic antibiotics (PA) are no longer indicated. We compared the incidence of surgical site infections before and after an institutional practice change of withholding PA for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Between May 7, 2013, and March 11, 2015, no PA were given to patients selected for elective cholecystectomy by two surgeons at a single center. The only patients excluded were those who received antibiotics before surgery for any reason. All others, including those at high risk for infection, were included. The incidence and severity of infections were compared with historical controls treated with prophylaxis by the same two surgeons from November 6, 2011, to January 13, 2013. There were 268 patients in the study group and 119 patients in the control group. Infection occurred in 3.0 per cent in the study group compared with 0.9 per cent in the controls ( P = 0.29). All infections were mild except one. Based on these data, the routine use of PA for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not supported.

Patient-Related Risk Factors for Postoperative Infection After Cholecystectomy

Background

The impact of patient-related risk factors on the incidence of postoperative infection after cholecystectomy is relatively unknown.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore potential patient-related risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) and septicaemia following cholecystectomy.

Materials and methods

All cholecystectomies registered in the Swedish national population-based register for Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (GallRiks) 2006–2014 were identified. The study cohort was cross-matched with the Swedish National Patient Register in order to obtain data on patient history and postoperative infections. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed in order to assess the impact of various comorbidities on the risk for SSI and septicaemia.

Results

A total of 94,557 procedures were registered. A SSI was seen following 5300 procedures (5.6%), and septicaemia following 661 procedures (0.7%). There was a significantly increased risk for SSI in patients with connective tissue disease (odds ratio [OR] 1.404, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.208–1.633), complicated diabetes (OR 1.435, CI 1.205–1.708), uncomplicated diabetes (OR 1.391, CI 1.264–1.530), chronic kidney disease (OR 1.788, CI 1.458–2.192), cirrhosis (OR 1.764, CI 1.268–2.454) and obesity (OR 1.630, CI 1.475–1.802). There was a significantly higher risk for septicaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (OR 3.065, CI 2.120–4.430) or cirrhosis (OR 5.016, CI 3.019–8.336).

Conclusion and discussion

Certain comorbidities have an impact on the risk for postoperative infection after cholecystectomy, especially SSI. This should be taken into account when planning the procedure and when deciding on prophylactic antibiotic treatment.

Reappraisal of previously reported meta-analyses on antibiotic prophylaxis for low-risk laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an overview of systematic reviews

INTRODUCTION

Many researchers have addressed overdosage and inappropriate use of antibiotics. Many meta-analyses have investigated antibiotic prophylaxis for low-risk laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the aim of reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. Most of these meta-analyses have concluded that prophylactic antibiotics are not required for low-risk laparoscopic cholecystectomies. This study aimed to assess the validity of this conclusion by systematically reviewing these meta-analyses.

METHODS

A systematic review was undertaken. Searches were limited to meta-analyses and systematic reviews. PubMed and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched from inception until March 2016 using the following keyword combinations: 'antibiotic prophylaxis', 'laparoscopic cholecystectomy' and 'systematic review or meta-analysis'. Two independent reviewers selected meta-analyses or systematic reviews evaluating prophylactic antibiotics for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. All of the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) analysed in these meta-analyses were also reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven meta-analyses regarding prophylactic antibiotics for low-risk laparoscopic cholecystectomy that had examined a total of 28 RCTs were included. Review of these meta-analyses revealed 48 miscounts of the number of outcomes. Six RCTs were inappropriate for the meta-analyses; one targeted patients with acute cholecystitis, another measured inappropriate outcomes, the original source of a third was not found and the study protocols of the remaining three were not appropriate for the meta-analyses. After correcting the above miscounts and excluding the six inappropriate RCTs, pooled risk ratios (RRs) were recalculated. These showed that, contrary to what had previously been concluded, antibiotics significantly reduced the risk of postoperative infections. The rates of surgical site, distant and overall infections were all significantly reduced by antibiotic administration (RR (95% CI); 0.71 (0.51 to 0.99), 0.37 (0.19 to 0.73), 0.50 (0.34 to 0.75), respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic antibiotics reduce the incidence of postoperative infections after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Variation in prophylactic antibiotic use for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: need for better stewardship in pediatric surgery

PURPOSE

The role of prophylactic antibiotics for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been questioned over the last decade. Although gradually being discontinued in the adult population, the practice among pediatric surgeons remains unknown. Our aim was to investigate the use of perioperative antibiotics in children undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for symptomatic cholelithiasis and biliary dyskinesia.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database for 2015 and selected all patients 18years old or younger who underwent LC for cholelithiasis (without cholecystitis) or biliary dyskinesia. Demographic and hospital data were extracted as well as antibiotics administered and surgical complications.

RESULTS

A total of 1112 patients from 44 hospitals were identified with a median age of 15years (IQR 13-16years). Eight out of every 10 hospitals routinely give prophylactic antibiotics in more than 50% of patients. In 37 hospitals that performed more than 5 LC per year, 19 to 100% of patients were given antibiotics. No surgical complications were identified in those who did not get antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

There is significant inter-hospital variation in prophylactic antibiotic administration for elective LC in children. Perioperative antibiotic administration should be tracked as a quality metric in the current push for better stewardship.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective.

Effectiveness of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Non-emergency Cholecystectomy Using Data from a Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

There is a variation in the administration of antibiotics prophylaxis to reduce the perceived risk of SSI in patients undergoing non-emergency cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis following non-emergency cholecystectomy to prevent 30-day superficial surgical site infections (SSIs) using non-selected, nationally collected, prospective data.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the CholeS study, which examined and independently validated the outcomes on consecutive patients following non-emergency cholecystectomy across 166 hospitals in the UK and Ireland. Patients who received antibiotic prophylaxis were exact matched to those who did not on variables associated with antibiotic prophylaxis. The primary outcome of interest was superficial SSI, and secondary outcomes included deep SSI, readmissions, complications and re-interventions within 30 days.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 7327 patients included in the study, 4468 (61%) received antibiotic prophylaxis. These were matched to patients who did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis on a range of demographic and surgical factors, leaving 1269 pairs of patients for analysis. Within this cohort, patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis had significantly lower rates of superficial SSI (0.7% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.001) and all-cause complications (5.8 vs. 8.0%, p = 0.031), but similar rates of deep SSI (1.0 vs. 1.4%, p = 0.473), readmissions (5.2 vs. 6.2%, p = 0.302) and re-interventions (2.6 vs. 3.7%, p = 0.093). The number needed to treat to prevent one superficial SSI was 45 (95% confidence interval 24-662).

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotics appear effective at reducing SSI after non-emergency cholecystectomy. However, due to the high number needed to treat it is unclear whether they provide a worthwhile clinical benefit to patients.

Suture thread check test for detection of surgical site contamination: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication of surgical procedures.

AIM

Our study aimed at investigating a new method based on assessment of suture thread colonization to identify patients developing an SSI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 119 patients undergoing elective surgery. For each patient, a synthetic absorbable thread in Lactomer 9-1 (Polisorb Gauge 2) inserted in the surgical site at the end of surgery was sent to the microbiology laboratory after 48 h to assess colonization of its inner tract.

RESULTS

Forty (33.6% of cases) patients had a colonized thread. Antibiotic prophylaxis was administered to 66 of 79 patients who did not display a colonized thread and to 20 of the 40 patients with a colonized thread (83.5% versus 50%, respectively, P = 0.0002). An SSI was observed only in patients with a colonized thread (10% versus 0, P = 0.02). The microorganisms identified in colonized threads were the same identified in SSIs.

CONCLUSIONS

Since an SSI was found only in patients with colonized threads, the method described here may be valuable for identifying patients developing an SSI. Moreover, the method can also be useful for targeting efficient antibiotic therapy to the culprit microorganisms.

Current practice of antibiotic prophylaxis during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION Current guidelines do not recommend antibiotic prophylaxis in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Despite this, there is wide variation in antibiotic prophylaxis during cholecystectomy in population-based studies. The aim of this survey was to establish the current rationale for antibiotic prophylaxis in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS A short questionnaire was designed and disseminated across collaborators for a population-based study investigating outcomes following cholecystectomy and via the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, Researchgate and Surginet membership. RESULTS Responses were received from 234 people; 50.9% had no written policy for the use of prophylactic antibiotics in elective cholecystectomy; 5.6% never used antibiotics, while 30.8% always did and 63.7% selectively used antibiotics. Contamination with bile, stones and pus were scenarios in which antibiotics were most commonly used in selective practices to reduce infective complications. Interestingly, 87% of respondents would be happy to participate in a trial investigating the effectiveness of antibiotics in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy where contamination has occurred. CONCLUSIONS The disparity between current practice and guidelines appears to arise because of a lack of evidence to show that antibiotics reduce surgical site infection following elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy where contamination has occurred. This question needs to addressed before practice will change.