Is endobag effective preventing port site infections in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Our experience

Abstract

Background: Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy different methods of retrieval have been used to extract the gallbladder from the peritoneal cavity. Various studies have shown the advantages of retrieval with endobag, this study aimed at evaluating efficacy of endobags in prevention of port site infections in histologically proven cholecystitis. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the KIMS hospital Bangalore, for a period of four years from April 2015 to March 2019. Data were collected on patient demographics, the use of a bag, port site infections and final Histopathology of Gallbladder specimen. Results: There were 270 Histologically proven cholecystitis during the study period. A bag was not used to retrieve the gallbladder [Group A] in 39.6% (n = 104) patients. A retrieval bag was used in the majority of patients [Group B] (62.6%). Overall wound infection rate was 7.2%, with 80% (n = 16) of those being in patients where no retrieval bag was used. Conclusion: In this study it is observed that epigastric port retrieval without endobag resulted in more port site wound infection and use of endobag was associated with less port site infections but has its own disadvantages like increase need for extension of facial incision and longer operating time.