Comparison Between The Risk of Wound Infection in Peri-Umbilical Incision with Intra-Umbilical Incision in Laparoscopic Procedures

Background: Laparoscopic surgery is increasingly preferred for various abdominal procedures due to its minimally invasive nature. However, port site complications, particularly wound infections, remain a significant concern. The method of umbilical access—either intra-umbilical or periumbilical—may influence the rate of postoperative infections, yet evidence comparing the two remains limited. The study aimed to compare the frequency of wound infection between intra-umbilical and periumbilical incisions in patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy or cholecystectomy. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted over six months in the Department of Surgery at Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. A total of 201 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries were enrolled using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Patients were divided into Group A (intra-umbilical incision, n=101) and Group B (periumbilical incision, n=100). Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and type of surgery were recorded. Postoperative wound infections were assessed within two weeks based on predefined clinical criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25, with Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests applied where appropriate. Results: The overall wound infection rate was 11.4%, with 8 infections (7.9%) in Group A and 15 infections (15%) in Group B. The infection rate was nearly double in the periumbilical group compared to the intra-umbilical group. Other variables, including comorbidities and type of surgery, were comparable between the groups. Conclusion: Intra-umbilical incisions were associated with a lower incidence of wound infections compared to periumbilical incisions in laparoscopic procedures. This method may offer a safer and cosmetically superior alternative for initial port access in routine laparoscopic surgeries