Can Extended Antibiotic Prophylaxis be Avoided in Accidental Bile Spillage During Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

Abstract Introduction: Intraoperative accidental bile spillage during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common event during surgery, and it is a practice to give prolonged prophylaxis to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs). Materials and Methods: The present study included 100 consecutive patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones with a single dose of prophylactic antibiotics. They were divided into two groups: (a) with ( n = 30), or (b) without ( n = 70) accidental bile spillage during surgery. All patients were followed up for 1 month for any evidence of SSI and any other comorbidities. Results: Incidence of SSI was 4.3% (no spillage) and 3.3% (with spillage), with no other significant complications. Conclusion: The study concludes that extended antibiotic prophylaxis can be safely avoided in the event of accidental intraoperative bile spillage during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.