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

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.