Topical use of hyperoxygenated fatty acids decreases surgical site infection in patients following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: To date, the topically effect of hyperoxygenated fatty acids (HOFA) on the control of surgical site infection (SSI) is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of topical application of a HOFA solution on the umbilical trocar site after laparoscopic cholecystectomy on SSI. The occurrence of trocar site incisional hernia (TSIH) was also analyzed. METHODS: , Diabetes Mellitus (DM), age over 65 years and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Patients were randomly allocated to topical application of a HOFA solution (HOFA arm) or saline physiological solution (non-HOFA arm) during closure of the umbilical trocar site with a polypropylene mesh. SSI was the primary outcome. TSIH was also assessed as a secondary outcome. RESULTS: 103 patients were included, 51 (49.5%) in the HOFA group and 52 (50.5%) in the non-HOFA group. SSI rate was significantly lower in the HOFA group in comparison with the non-HOFA group (19.6% vs. 3.8%; p = 0.028). TSIH rates were similar in both groups (3.8% vs. 2%). Multivariate analyses showed that only HOFA decreased significantly SSI rate. CONCLUSION: Topical application of a HOFA solution at the umbilical trocar site after laparoscopy cholecystectomy decreased SSI rate.