Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026

Application of Straight-needle, Three-tailed, Knot-free, Peritoneal Sutures in Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Hernia Repair
Published on: November 12, 2021
Prognostic Value of the Mannheim Peritonitis Index in Predicting Mortality Following Emergency Surgery for Hollow
Hong Quan Dang1, Van Bi Nguyen2, Quoc Viet Cao2
1Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho, Vietnam.
Introduction:
Perforation peritonitis is a life-threatening emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early risk stratification is vital, particularly in resource-limited settings. The Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) is a widely used prognostic tool, but its performance in Vietnamese patients remains underexplored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic accuracy of MPI in predicting inhospital mortality among patients undergoing surgery for secondary peritonitis due to hollow viscus perforation.
Methods:
This prospective observational study included 176 patients treated at a tertiary care center in southern Vietnam from April 2023 to May 2024. Clinical data were collected to calculate MPI scores. Mortality outcomes were analyzed using the receiver-operating characteristic curve and multivariate logistic regression.
Results:
The mean patient age was 64.9 ± 15.7 years; 70.5% were male. Generalized peritonitis occurred in 96%, and feculent contamination in 5.1%. The most frequent perforation sites were the stomach (43.8%) and duodenum (21%). Overall mortality was 21%. MPI demonstrated excellent predictive performance (area under the curve = 0.944; 95% confidence interval: 0.905-0.988; P < 0.001). An MPI score ≥25 yielded 91.9% sensitivity and 79.9% specificity. Feculent peritonitis (odds ratio [OR] =26.5; P = 0.020) and preoperative organ failure (OR = 51.4; P < 0.001) were independent mortality predictors.
Conclusion:
MPI is a reliable and efficient tool for early mortality prediction in secondary peritonitis. A threshold score ≥25 effectively identifies high-risk patients and should be integrated into clinical decision-making in emergency surgical settings.
Insights
The Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) accurately predicts mortality in patients with secondary peritonitis. An MPI score of 25 or higher identifies high-risk individuals for better surgical decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Gastroenterology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Perforation peritonitis presents a significant global health challenge with high mortality rates.
- Effective early risk stratification is crucial, especially in resource-limited healthcare environments.
- The Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) is a validated prognostic tool, yet its utility in Vietnamese populations requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prognostic accuracy of the Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) in predicting in-hospital mortality.
- To evaluate MPI's performance in patients undergoing surgery for secondary peritonitis caused by hollow viscus perforation in Vietnam.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study was conducted with 176 patients in southern Vietnam.
- Clinical data were collected to compute MPI scores, and outcomes were analyzed using ROC curves and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- The study population had a mean age of 64.9 years, with 70.5% males. Generalized peritonitis was prevalent (96%).
- Overall mortality was 21%. The MPI demonstrated strong predictive capability (AUC = 0.944).
- An MPI score ≥25 showed high sensitivity (91.9%) and specificity (79.9%) for mortality prediction. Feculent peritonitis and preoperative organ failure were independent predictors.
Conclusions:
- The Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) is a reliable tool for early mortality risk stratification in secondary peritonitis.
- Integrating an MPI threshold of ≥25 into clinical practice can aid in identifying high-risk patients for timely intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Peptic Ulcer
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...

