Perforation peritonitis: as a spectrum

Abstract

Background: Peritonitis due to hollow viscus perforation is one of the frequent cause of patient presenting as acute abdomen in clinical practice. The cause of this perforation can be traumatic perforation or an underlying diseased viscus.Methos: The study was conducted in Sir J J group of hospitals, Mumbai between January 2021 to June 2021. A total of 50 cases with peritonitis due to gastrointestinal tract perforation were studied. The patient were studied on the basis of clinical presentation, radiological findings, cause and site of perforation, treatment given, postoperative complication and mortality.Results: Perforated duodenal ulcer (32%) and illeal perforation (24%) were most common in our study which is in contrast to the pattern seen in western part of the world. Perforations due to malignancy were the least commonly seen.Conclusions: As indicated on our study the spectrum of perforation peritonitis in India continues to be different from its western counterpart with duodenal ulcer perforation, perforating appendicitis, typhoid perforation and tubercular perforation being the major causes of generalized peritonitis.