[Results of continuous permanent irrigation in diffuse purulent peritonitis]

In a prospective study continuous peritoneal lavage was carried out in 30 patients with diffuse purulent or fecal peritonitis using a volume of 20-50 1/24 h during 5-7 days. Bacteria were recognised in the effusate until day 5. Protein losses per 24 hours amounted to 4,1-46 g. A mean value of 14,5 +/- 14 g was determined. The fractional protein clearance of IgG had increased compared to other proteins. A mortality of 26,7% was obtained. Death causes were the consequences of septic shock. In none of the investigated cases remaining empyemas in the peritoneal cavity could be shown. There was no support for the establishment of lavage tracks.