Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) are the most common complication of gastrointestinal
surgery. The most common endogenous organisms encountered are the enteric pathogens.
Methods: We report a rare case of S. enterica var. Weltevreden as a cause of SSI after cholecystectomy
and common bile duct exploration. Pertinent literature is reviewed.
Results: The infection was due to bile spillage and contamination during surgery. The organism
was found to be sensitive only to imipenem, and the patient recovered following intravenous
treatment with that carbapenem.
Conclusions: This case illustrates the fact that cholecystectomy with bile spillage is a definite
risk factor for SSI. Although controversial, isolation of the pathogen from the bile and
the surgical site must be made to allow this rare pathogen to be identified. Appropriate antibiotic
could then be directed against the pathogen.
