[Postoperative complications in patients with peritonitis]

Area of Science:

• Surgical Gastroenterology
• Abdominal Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Peritonitis, an inflammation of the peritoneum, necessitates surgical intervention with varying degrees of severity.
• Postoperative complications following peritonitis surgery can significantly impact patient outcomes.
• Minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are increasingly explored to improve patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the incidence of postoperative complications in 1310 patients who underwent surgery for peritonitis.
• To assess the diagnostic value of laparoscopy and sonography in identifying intra-abdominal complications.
• To determine the effectiveness of endoscopic procedures for early adhesive intestinal obstruction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1310 surgical cases for peritonitis (local limited, local unlimited, general).
• Utilized laparoscopy for diagnosing intra-abdominal complications in 47 patients.
• Employed sonography for complication diagnosis, guiding laparoscopy, and abscess drainage.
• Treated 7 cases of early adhesive intestinal obstruction with endoscopic procedures.

Main Results:

• Overall postoperative complication rate was 18.7% (13.0% for suppuration, phlegmons, progressive peritonitis, abscesses, eventration, and adhesive obstruction).
• Laparoscopy avoided 20 unnecessary laparotomies, though its use is limited by peritoneal contamination.
• Sonography proved effective in diagnosing complications and guiding interventions like abscess drainage.

Conclusions:

• Surgical management of peritonitis carries a notable risk of postoperative complications.
• Laparoscopy and sonography are valuable tools for diagnosing and managing intra-abdominal complications, potentially reducing the need for open surgery.
• Endoscopic procedures offer a viable treatment option for early adhesive intestinal obstruction.