Management of intra-abdominal sepsis

Intra-abdominal sepsis most frequently follows penetrating or blunt abdominal trauma or perforated appendicitis or diverticulitis. The initial leakage of the endogenous gastrointestinal microflora into the peritoneal cavity results in peritonitis and secondary septicemia, which is frequently followed by localized intra-abdominal abscess. These infections are most frequently polymicrobial and relate directly to the unique endogenous microflora at the various levels of the gastrointestinal tract. The treatment of intra-abdominal sepsis is primarily centered around prompt, appropriate surgical intervention. Parenterally administered antibiotics are also required to decrease the chance of local bacterial infection or septicemia. The choice of the appropriate agent(s) to be used initially, before the results of culture and sensitivity reports are available, depends primarily on the clinical presentation and also on whether the intra-abdominal infection occurred in the community or within the hospital setting. Clinical and experimental studies of intra-abdominal sepsis have largely stressed the use of antibiotic agents that have a spectrum of activity effective against the aerobic coliforms and anaerobic Bacteroides fragilis.