Dry Mopping versus Saline Irrigation of Gall Bladder Fossa after Bile Spillage During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Abstract

Introduction: Gallbladder perforation with bile spillage is common during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and may lead to complications ranging from mild inflammation to abscess formation. While saline irrigation with suction is traditionally used, some surgeons prefer dry mopping to limit contamination. The optimal approach remains controversial. This study compares peritoneal irrigation and aspiration versus dry mopping in terms of early and late postoperative outcomes.
Methods: An observational study was carried out in the department of General Surgery at Kathmandu Model Hospital Institute of Health Sciences/ Kritipur Hospital during the period of 6 months from June 2025 to November 2025, among all patients undergoing saline irrigation or dry mopping following biliary spillage when present during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Results: One hundred twenty patients were included, 60 patients in each group, 61.6% were female and the rest were male. Majority of the patients belonged to age group 39-55 years (median age 45) in both dry mopping group (group A) and saline irrigation group (group B). There was no significant difference in surgical site infection (SSI) between the two groups (p = 0.272). Dry mopping resulted in fewer surgical site infections, with similar intra-abdominal collection rates, while port site infections were higher in the saline irrigation group.
Conclusions: Dry mopping to be better than saline irrigation in terms of increased surgical site infection. There was no statistically significant correlation between intraoperative stone spillage and postoperative outcomes.