Clinical Profile and Management of Perforation Peritonitis in a Tertiary Care Centre, Kerala, India

Abstract

Peritonitis, an inflammation of the peritoneum and peritoneal cavity, is often brought on by a localised or systemic infection. Primary and secondary peritonitis are the two types of peritonitis. Once the clinical diagnosis of peritonitis is made, rapid institution of both physiologic support and aggressive anti-infective therapy are imperative. The objective was to study the frequency of perforation peritonitis in relation to various parameters ,and to study the post-operative complications and mortality. Cross-sectional study was conducted during the time period of 1 year. Findings were noted intra-operatively, patients were followed up until discharge or death. It was found that males were more affected than females, and majority was in the 21-35 years age group. Most common perforation was appendicular perforation followed by gastric and small intestine perforation. Diagnosis is made clinically and confirmed by presence of free gas under diaphragm. Mortality was 10% and the most common post-operative complication was wound infection.