[Current developments in the treatment of acute generalised peritonitis]

Generalised acute peritonitis is a relatively frequently pathology which has always been extremely difficult to treat owing to the large number of complications. Considerable progress has been made over the past few years in the surgical treatment of these pathologies following the introduction of new materials accompanied by new techniques: continuous peritoneal lavage (CPL) and laparostomy are the best known. These techniques must be used in carefully selected patients. They allow a marked improvement in results: fewer cases of redo surgery; fewer local and general complications; shorter hospitalisation stay; fewer deaths. These results are possible because these techniques ensure a better cleansing of the peritoneal cavity, with easier removal of necrotic and purulent materials, the main cause of local and general complications.