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Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP) - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis
06:45

Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP) - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis

Published on: December 18, 2010

Intra-abdominal sepsis: controversies and choices in management

R L Nichols1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Clinical Therapeutics
|January 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Intra-abdominal infections, often caused by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, require prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention. Effective antibiotic therapy, such as cephalosporins, is crucial for managing peritonitis and abscesses, improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Peritoneal contamination can result in generalized peritonitis or abscess formation.
  • Both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are implicated in intra-abdominal infections.
  • Bacterial concentrations and types vary by perforation site, with the colon having the highest anaerobic load.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the management of intra-abdominal sepsis following intestinal perforation.
  • To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and surgical intervention.
  • To discuss antibiotic selection criteria for effective treatment of polymicrobial infections.

Main Methods:

  • Review of factors contributing to infection risk after intestinal perforation.
  • Discussion of therapeutic goals: reducing morbidity, mortality, and hospital stay.
  • Analysis of antibiotic choices, focusing on efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Main Results:

  • A risk assessment formula for infection following penetrating abdominal trauma has been developed.
  • Second- and third-generation cephalosporins are presented as effective, safe, and economical antibiotic options.
  • Successful management hinges on early diagnosis, surgical intervention, and appropriate antibiotic coverage.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal management of intra-abdominal sepsis involves a multi-faceted approach.
  • Antibiotic therapy should target both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
  • Cephalosporins offer a favorable risk-benefit profile for treating these infections.

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