Effect of peritoneal bacterial culture on postoperative complications in patients with gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy

Minimizing post-operative complications is critical in gastric cancer surgery. Bacterial migration during gastrectomy may contribute to these complications; however, its impact remains unclear. This study investigated the relationship between intraoperative peritoneal bacterial cultures and postoperative outcomes. Medical records of 1218 patients with gastric cancer who underwent radical gastrectomy with intraoperative peritoneal fluid cultures were reviewed. Intraperitoneal bacterial cultures were collected immediately after incision closure using a drainage catheter placed in the abdominal cavity. Bacterial growth was detected in 482 (39.6 %) patients, while 736 (60.4 %) showed no growth. Old age, male sex, and total gastrectomy were identified as factors associated with bacterial growth. Patients with positive bacterial growth had longer hospital stays. Multivariate analysis identified open gastrectomy, prolonged operation time, increased blood loss, and bacterial growth as significant predictors of postoperative complications. Bacterial growth in intraoperative peritoneal fluid cultures may be a significant risk factor for postoperative complications following gastrectomy.