[Sepsis in surgery patients]

The aim of the study was to determine therapeutic possibilities in surgical patients with sepsis following gunshot wounds of the abdomen and lower extremities. Thirty patients who underwent repeated surgical procedures in general or peridural anesthesia were analyzed. Eleven patients developed ARDS, of which 7 also had acute renal insufficiency and required hemodialysis. Mechanical ventilatory support and PEEP therapy were instituted. In 4 cases, alprostidil at a dosage of 0.1 microgram/kg body weight/min over 2 days was given. Empirical use of antibiotics was at the beginning of the therapy carried out by penicillin, gentamicin and metronidazole and later according to the antibiogram. One patient presented with spinal meningitis after the insertion of peridural catheter.