[Lethality in postoperative peritonitis and the characteristics of its clinical diagnosis]

Within 30 years of their work the authors observed 151 cases of postoperative peritonitis, which made 1.1% of all the laparotomies carried out during this time. None of the known symptoms of peritonitis can be taken as a constant sign of this dangerous complication. In the early recognition of postoperative peritonitis and the determination of the indications for repeated laparotomy the experience of a surgeon, well acquainted with the diagnosis of postoperative complications in the abdominal organs, is the most essential. The diagnostic laparotomy (microlaparotomy) is quite justified even in case when peritonitis symptoms are not well marked, but a progressive general intoxication cannot be explained through any other causes.