Continual postoperative antibiotic peritoneal lavage in diffuse peritonitis complicating cesarean section

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Surgical Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Diffuse peritonitis complicating cesarean section requires advanced treatment beyond standard medical therapy.
• Surgical intervention is indicated for patients failing to respond to conventional treatments for peritonitis post-cesarean delivery.

Observation:

• Nine women with peritonitis post-cesarean section received surgical treatment and continuous postoperative antibiotic peritoneal lavage.
• Seven patients underwent hysterectomy and recovered fully, while one patient requiring uterine conservation later needed an emergency hysterectomy.

Findings:

• Continuous postoperative antibiotic peritoneal lavage demonstrated efficacy in preventing persistent peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscesses.
• The adjunctive treatment's success was strongly correlated with performing a hysterectomy during the initial surgical procedure.

Implications:

• This approach suggests antibiotic peritoneal lavage is a valuable adjunct for managing severe peritonitis after cesarean sections.
• Performing hysterectomy concurrently with lavage may optimize patient outcomes and reduce complications like abscess formation.