Comparison Of Port Site (Epigastric Versus Umbilical) Infection Following Gall Bladder Retrieval In Patient Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholycystectomy

Meena Sadaf; Shahid Hussain Mirani; Syed Baqir  Rizvi; Halar Habibullah; Perwish   Shah; Ghulam Fatima Komal Memon

doi:10.36283/ziun-pjmd15-1/028

Authors

Meena Sadaf Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur
Shahid Hussain Mirani Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur
Syed Baqir Rizvi Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur
Halar Habibullah Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur
Perwish Shah Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur
Ghulam Fatima Komal Memon Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36283/ziun-pjmd15-1/028

Keywords:

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Surgical Wound Infection, Postoperative, Pain

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common surgical procedure for removing the gallbladder. While it's minimally invasive, there's still a risk of port site infection. This study was conducted to compare the frequency of port site infection and postoperative pain between umbilical and epigastric port retrieval.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at department of Surgery, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur, between September 2024 to April 2025. A total of 114 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were consecutively enrolled and divided into two equal groups: umbilical and epigastric. Pain levels were recorded using the Visual Analogue Scale at 1, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 36-hours following surgery. Port site infection was monitored for 30 days postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS version 27, applying Mann–Whitney U test, Chi-square/Fisher’s Exact test, and multivariable logistic regression (significance threshold: p≤0.05).

Results: Port site infection occurred in 17 (14.9%) patients, with significantly more cases in the epigastric group (n = 13, 76.5%) than the umbilical group (n = 4, 23.5%) (p < 0.001). Retrieval via the umbilical port significantly lowered infection risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04–0.78; p = 0.021). Non-diabetic patients also showed a substantially reduced likelihood of infection (aOR = 0.02; p < 0.001). At all assessed time intervals except the 6-hour mark, postoperative pain scores were significantly lower for the umbilical group.

Conclusion: Umbilical port retrieval during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with significantly lower rates of port site infection and postoperative pain.

Author Biographies

Meena Sadaf, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur

Department of Surgery
Shahid Hussain Mirani, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur

Department of Surgery
Halar Habibullah, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur

Department of Surgery
Perwish Shah, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur

Department of Surgery
Ghulam Fatima Komal Memon, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur

Department of Surgery

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