[The "left-open abdomen". Technic, indication and results]

Critical evaluation of 22 cases with serious diffuse purulent or fecal peritonitis treated by open abdomen following surgical intervention. Seven (32%) patients died, three because of continuing sepsis and one because of acute haemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis. The three other died of general complications (1 coma hepaticum, 2 massive embolisms; at autopsy their abdominal cavity was entirely cleaned. The therapeutic principle of "open abdomen" in cases of severe purulent and fecal peritonitis will be recommendable.