[Primary peritonitis. Study of four cases (author's transl)]

Four cases of primary peritonitis in the adult, with favourable evolution, are presented. This is a rare condition which still involves a not unappreaciable mortality rate. The treatment was surgical in three cases, in one case a paracentesis was performed and antibiotics were administered. The treatment included an exploratory laparotomy, smear with Gram stain and culture of the pus, washing of the peritoneal cavity with isotonic saline solution, appendectomy, closing of the abdominal cavity without drainage and parenteral antibiotic therapy. Exclusive medical treatment carries a greater risk of complications and should be reserved for those patients in very precarious general condition.