A Comparative Study on Frequency of Port Site Infection Rates After Gallbladder Retrieval with and Without the Sterile Glove Bag Technique in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Abstract

Background: Gallbladder retrieval during laparoscopic cholecystectomy can result in port site infections, especially in patients with comorbidities; however, evidence supporting the sterile glove bag technique remains limited in local populations. Objective: To compare the incidence of port site surgical site infections (SSI) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the sterile glove bag technique versus standard retrieval, and to evaluate the association of demographic and clinical risk factors with infection rates. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 280 adult patients (n = 140 per group) scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a tertiary care hospital. Inclusion criteria were adults aged 18–75 years; key exclusions were immunodeficiency, active infection, or conversion to open surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to gallbladder retrieval with or without the sterile glove bag. Demographics, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, and SSI occurrence (within 7 postoperative days) were recorded. Diagnosis of SSI was clinical, with microbiological confirmation where indicated. Ethical approval was obtained from the hospital review board in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with chi-square tests for categorical data and a significance threshold of p ≤ 0.05. Results: The mean age was 43.21 ± 3.12 years; females predominated (76.8%). Port site SSI occurred exclusively in the standard retrieval group (7.9% vs. 0%, p < 0.01). All SSIs were associated with diabetes and hypertension (p = 0.01 each). Overweight and obese patients showed a trend toward increased SSI risk. Conclusion: The sterile glove bag technique significantly reduces port site infection rates in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, particularly benefitting patients with comorbidities. Routine adoption can enhance patient safety and reduce postoperative complications in clinical practice.