Early and Late Management of Perforation Peritonitis - A Comparative Study of 50 Cases

Introduction: Perforation peritonitis is the most common surgical emergency in India..Despite advances in surgical techniques, antimicrobial therapy and intensive care support, management of peritonitis continues to be highly demanding, difficult and complex. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin layer that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs. Peritonitis may be localised or generalised, and may result from infection (often due to rupture of a hollow organ as may occur in abdominal trauma or typhoid fever) or from a non-infectious process. A diagnosis of peritonitis is based primarily on the clinical manifestations. If peritonitis is strongly suspected, then surgery is performed without further delay for other investigations Aims and Objectives:. A prospective study of 50 patients of perforation peritonitis was done over a period of last 3 years at surgery ward of Govt. Medical College Amritsar divided into two groups early and delayed with 25 patients in each group. Results and Conclusion: All cases in our study were of perforation peritonitis presenting at various times in hospital. Those presenting within 24 hours (early) and managed in time showed better outcome as compared to the late presenters. Morbidity is more in late cases as compared to early cases. Mortality rate is high in late presenters.