Bacteremia after diagnostic conventional laparoscopy and minilaparoscopy: a prospective study in 100 patients.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/GOALS Diagnostic laparoscopy under sedoanalgesia is a valuable tool in the work-up of liver diseases and is helpful as a staging procedure. The rate of bacteremia caused by this procedure is unknown, in particular when performed as minilaparoscopy. STUDY A 100 consecutive patients having undergone diagnostic laparoscopy carried out either conventionally (group I, n=50) or as minilaparoscopy (group II, n=50) were prospectively enrolled in this study. Blood cultures were drawn before and within 5 minutes after the procedure. Risk factors for bacteremia were evaluated. RESULTS: Bacterial growth occurred in 4 blood cultures drawn immediately after laparoscopy. No patient developed fever or other signs of infection in the follow-up. Risk factors predisposing to bacteremia could not be identified. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional diagnostic laparoscopy under sedoanalgesia and minilaparoscopy are associated with a low rate of bacteremia as in diagnostic upper endoscopy.