Laparostomic Treatment of Diffuse Peritonitis in Northern Uganda

Abstract

We report a series of 10 cases of patients who were admitted in our hospital for abdominal pain and respiratory distress. All patients underwent explorative laparotomy. Intra-operative findings were incarcerated abdomen with fibrin covered ileus and free pus. Surgical treatment was therefore Laparostomic approach with peritoneal lavage for all of them. Patients were re-operated every 48 h for peritoneal lavage. Number of re-laparotomy was 4,5 ± 1,7. No patients required intestinal resection. Abdominal wall definitive closure was done when peritonitis was solved and bowel function was restored. 3 patients died. The 7 survived patients were discharged at 19 ± 5,8 days with a clean wound and no signs of ongoing sepsis. Laparostomic treatment of generalized peritonitis is actually possible and effective also in potentially infected environment as a Northern Uganda Surgical Ward. Avoidance of iatrogenic bowel injury is a main factor in patient’s outcome.

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