[Studies on relaparotomy in childhood (author's transl)]

20.8% of 2185 laparotomies were repeat procedures. Of these 159 were planned and a further 295 were not planned procedures. The most usual reason for an unplanned repeat laparotomy was intestinal obstruction due to adhesions. This was followed by abscess formation or peritonitis, fistula formation, intestinal perforation, or leakage at the suture line. Procedures are more often necessary in the first year of life. The average mortality was 11.7%, and increased with the number of repeat laparotomies. The most usual causes of death were septicaemia, pneumonia. Early repeat laparotomy and intensive post-operative treatment are advocated.