Peritonitis - the Eastern experience

Intra-abdominal infections survival guide: a position statement by the Global Alliance For Infections In Surgery

Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in hospital settings worldwide. The cornerstones of IAI management include rapid, accurate diagnostics; timely, adequate source control; appropriate, short-duration antimicrobial therapy administered according to the principles of pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and antimicrobial stewardship; and hemodynamic and organ functional support with intravenous fluid and adjunctive vasopressor agents for critical illness (sepsis/organ dysfunction or septic shock after correction of hypovolemia). In patients with IAIs, a personalized approach is crucial to optimize outcomes and should be based on multiple aspects that require careful clinical assessment. The anatomic extent of infection, the presumed pathogens involved and risk factors for antimicrobial resistance, the origin and extent of the infection, the patient's clinical condition, and the host's immune status should be assessed continuously to optimize the management of patients with complicated IAIs.

Abdominal wound closure in the presence of sepsis: our experience with the use of subcutaneous drain

Objectives

Patients requiring surgery for secondary peritonitis demonstrate a significantly increased risk for incisional surgical site infection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous wound drain post-laparotomy for contaminated surgical wounds.

Design

This was a prospective comparative hospital-based study.

Setting

Patients who had surgery for secondary peritonitis in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital were studied.

Participants

Fifty patients aged 16 years and above who presented with secondary peritonitis.

Intervention

Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two equal groups. Group A had a suction drain placed in the subcutaneous space after laparotomy while Group B did not.

Main outcome measures

Development of incisional surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, and duration of post-operative hospital stay.

Results

The incidence of incisional surgical site infection was significantly less in Group A (20%) than in Group B (68%). There was no case of wound dehiscence in Group A as against 3 (12%) in Group B. The difference was not statistically significant. The mean duration of hospital stay was significantly less with subcutaneous suction drain (8.96+2.81 Vs 14.04+8.05; p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Subcutaneous suction drainage is beneficial in abdominal wall closure in cases of peritonitis as it significantly reduces the incidence of incisional surgical site infection and the duration of postoperative hospital stay. The reduction in surgical wound dehiscence observed in this study was, however, not statistically significant.

Funding

None declared.

Colonic Anastomoses Reinforced With Ethyl-2-Cyanoacrylate Compared With Polydioxanone Sutures Alone in Fecal Peritonitis: An Experimental Study in Wistar Rats

INTRODUCTION

The use of tissue adhesives has been proposed as an anastomosis reinforcement; however, their efficacy has not been evaluated in a contaminated environment. The objective of this study was to determine if the use of sutures reinforced with ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate for colonic anastomoses in the presence of fecal peritonitis, in a murine animal model, decreases the frequency of dehiscence.

METHODS

Wistar rats were used. Fecal peritonitis was established until reaching 18 hours of evolution. Then, resection and anastomosis of the colon were performed with only polydioxanone (PDS) sutures in the control group and reinforcement with ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate in the experimental group. The dehiscence frequency and burst pressure were evaluated six days after the anastomosis was performed.

RESULTS

We included 30 Wistar rats, all males, with a median age of five months and an average weight of 350.43 g. Anastomotic dehiscence was observed in 53.33% of the control group, in contrast with 13.33% of the experimental group (p = 0.020). There was no significant difference in burst pressure between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The use of ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate, in an experimental murine animal model, as reinforcement in colonic anastomoses in the presence of fecal peritonitis decreases the frequency of anastomotic dehiscence, although it does not increase resistance to burst pressure.

Source control in emergency general surgery: WSES, GAIS, SIS-E, SIS-A guidelines

Intra-abdominal infections (IAI) are among the most common global healthcare challenges and they are usually precipitated by disruption to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Their successful management typically requires intensive resource utilization, and despite the best therapies, morbidity and mortality remain high. One of the main issues required to appropriately treat IAI that differs from the other etiologies of sepsis is the frequent requirement to provide physical source control. Fortunately, dramatic advances have been made in this aspect of treatment. Historically, source control was left to surgeons only. With new technologies non-surgical less invasive interventional procedures have been introduced. Alternatively, in addition to formal surgery open abdomen techniques have long been proposed as aiding source control in severe intra-abdominal sepsis. It is ironic that while a lack or even delay regarding source control clearly associates with death, it is a concept that remains poorly described. For example, no conclusive definition of source control technique or even adequacy has been universally accepted. Practically, source control involves a complex definition encompassing several factors including the causative event, source of infection bacteria, local bacterial flora, patient condition, and his/her eventual comorbidities. With greater understanding of the systemic pathobiology of sepsis and the profound implications of the human microbiome, adequate source control is no longer only a surgical issue but one that requires a multidisciplinary, multimodality approach. Thus, while any breach in the GI tract must be controlled, source control should also attempt to control the generation and propagation of the systemic biomediators and dysbiotic influences on the microbiome that perpetuate multi-system organ failure and death. Given these increased complexities, the present paper represents the current opinions and recommendations for future research of the World Society of Emergency Surgery, of the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery of Surgical Infection Society Europe and Surgical Infection Society America regarding the concepts and operational adequacy of source control in intra-abdominal infections.

The Role of the Mannheim Peritonitis Index for Predicting Outcomes in Patients With Perforation Peritonitis in a Rural Hospital in India

Introduction Acute secondary peritonitis due to hollow viscus perforation is a life-threatening surgical condition with significant morbidity and mortality, depending on the severity with outcomes that differ in the Western and developing world. Various scoring systems have been developed to assess the severity and its relation to morbidity and mortality. We conducted this study to evaluate the role of the Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) in predicting outcomes in perforation peritonitis patients in a rural hospital in India. Materials and methods A prospective study of 50 patients with hollow viscus perforation with secondary peritonitis presented to the emergency department, Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, from 2016 to 2020. Each operated patient was scored according to the MPI to predict mortality. Results The majority of the patients were discharged uneventfully and about 16% (8/50) of the patients expired. The patients with an MPI score of more than 29 had maximum mortality of 62.5%. Mortality was seen in 37.5% of the patients with MPI scores between 21 and 29, whereas no mortality was recorded in patients with an MPI score of 21. Higher mortality was associated with age greater than 50 years (p=0.007), the presence of malignancy (p=0.013), colonic perforation (p=0.014), and fecal contamination (p=0.004). There was no significant correlation with gender (p=0.81), the presence of organ failure (p=1.6), delayed presentation, i.e., preoperative duration >24 hours (p=0.17), and the presence of diffuse peritonitis (p=0.25). Conclusion MPI is a specific, easily reproducible, and less cumbersome scoring method for predicting mortality in patients with hollow viscus perforation (secondary) peritonitis with minimal laboratory investigations. Higher scores correlate with a poorer prognosis and need intensive management, making use of MPI in clinical practice relevant and beneficial, especially in resource-poor settings.

Multifunctional Dual Cross-Linked Bioadhesive Patch with Low Immunogenic Response and Wet Tissues Adhesion

The development of bioadhesives is an important, yet challenging task as seemingly mutually exclusive properties need to be combined in one material, that is, strong adhesion, water resistance, and high biocompatibility. Here, a biocompatible and biodegradable protein-based bioadhesive patch (PBP) with high adhesion strength and low immunogenic response is reported. PBP exists as a strong adhesion for biological surfaces, which is higher than some conventional bioadhesives (i.e., polyethylene glycol and fibrin). Robust adhesion and strength are realized through the removal of interfacial water and fast formation of multiple supramolecular interactions induced by metal ions. The PBP's high biocompatibility is evaluated and immunogenic response in vitro and in vivo is neglected. The strong adhesion on soft biological tissues qualifies the PBP as biomedical glue outperforming some commercial products for applications in hemostasis performance, accelerated wound healing, and sealing of defected organs, anticipating to be useful as a tissue adhesive and sealant.

An Isolated Perforation of the Fourth Part of the Duodenum Following Blunt Abdominal Trauma: A Case Report

An isolated perforation of the duodenum is rare in cases of blunt abdominal trauma, and diagnosis is often delayed due to subtle clinical signs. We present the case of a 13-year-old male patient who presented to the hospital with an alleged history of being run over in the abdomen by a vehicle and a complaint of severe abdominal pain. Radiography of the abdomen in the standing position showed air under the diaphragm, and ultrasonography revealed free fluid in the pelvic and peritoneal cavities, clinching the diagnosis of hollow viscus perforation. The patient was resuscitated and underwent an exploratory laparotomy under general anesthesia. On exploration, no perforation was found in the intraperitoneal organs. The retroperitoneum was opened, and the Cattell-Braasch maneuver was used to approach the duodenum. A single perforation was discovered in the fourth part, and a modified graham patch repair was done. As soon as the patient's bowel sounds returned, a low-fat diet was started through a nasojejunal tube placed distal to the perforation site. The patient was discharged in good condition and is doing well with regular follow-ups. This case emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion for gut perforation of both intra- and retroperitoneal organs after blunt trauma. This will help in early diagnosis and timely management to reduce perforation-associated mortality. Damage control surgery, with primary closure of the perforation, is well-suited and preferred in an emergency and resource-limited setting.

A Proposal for a Classification Guiding the Selection of Appropriate Antibiotic Therapy for Intra-Abdominal Infections

Adequately controlling the source of infection and prescribing appropriately antibiotic therapy are the cornerstones of the management of patients with intra-abdominal infections (IAIs). Correctly classifying patients with IAIs is crucial to assessing the severity of their clinical condition and deciding the strategy of the treatment, including a correct empiric antibiotic therapy. Best practices in prescribing antibiotics may impact patient outcomes and the cost of treatment, as well as the risk of “opportunistic” infections such as Clostridioides difficile infection and the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This review aims to identify a correct classification of IAIs, guiding clinicians in the selection of the best antibiotic therapy in patients with IAIs.

Clinical profile and management of perforation peritonitis in Bharatpur hospital, Nepal: A prospective study

Introduction

The most common surgical emergency in general surgery is perforation peritonitis. It is a serious condition with a mortality rate of up to 20%, and it is the third most common cause of surgical abdomen after appendicitis and intestinal obstruction. The aim of this study to discuss clinical profile and management of perforation peritonitis in a hospital in central Nepal.

Methods

This prospective study was done for one year at Bharatpur Hospital, Chitwan Nepal. In our study, only patient above 15 years were included and those who were not fit for anesthesia and surgery were excluded. Most of the patient were diagnosed clinically supported by lab investigations and imaging like X-ray and ultrasonography of abdomen. The variables analyzed were the risk factors of the patient like smoking, alcohol, liver disease and previous abdominal surgeries.

Results

The majority of the patients were in the age group 50–59 years in male and 40–49 years in female. Among sixty cases, 31 were female and 29 were male with Female: Male ratio of 1.06:1. The most common cause of perforation found was peptic ulcer compromising 88.3% (53 cases) followed by appendicular perforation accounting 8.3% (5 cases). Similarly, Tubercular perforation was found in 3.3%. Smoking was most common risk factor accounting 88.3%, followed by alcohol consumption (48.33%) while, 15% of patients had positive history of NSAIDs consumption. On imaging, 38.33% patient had air fluid level on X-ray and 78.33% had gas under diaphragm. On blood investigation, leukocytosis was found in 53.33% of patients, hyponatremia in 10% of patients and hypokalemia in 18.33% of patients. While on urine examination, albumin was found in 5% of patients. The repair of perforation along with omentopexy was done in 73.3% of patients while only repair was done in 15% of patients. Only 8.3% opted for appendectomy while a very few patients (3.3%) went for resection with anastomosis. The Postoperative complications found were wound infection (43.3%), paralytic ileus (18.33%), sepsis (15%), followed by electrolyte imbalance (11.6%), postoperative bowel obstruction (6.6%) and burst abdomen (1.6%). While, there were only 3 cases of mortality.

Conclusions

Perforation peritonitis is a frequently encountered surgical emergency. Various factors like age, sex, duration, site of perforation, extent of peritonitis and delay in surgical intervention are associated with morbidity and mortality. A successful management depends upon early surgical intervention, source control and exclusive intraoperative peritoneal lavage.

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Perforation Peritonitis is a serious condition with a mortality rate of up to 20%.

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Age, sex, duration, site of perforation, extent of peritonitis and delay in surgical intervention affect morbidity and mortality.

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Early surgical intervention, source control and exclusive intraoperative peritoneal lavage are solutions.

One Year of Experience Managing Peritonitis Secondary to Gastrointestinal Perforation at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Analysis

Introduction

Peritonitis secondary to gastrointestinal perforation causes high morbidity and mortality rates in the emergency department with an immediate need for surgical intervention. Despite improved surgical management procedures, patients are still suffering from gastrointestinal leak causing peritonitis that demands surgical management by highly skilled surgeons in high-quality surgical units.

Material and methods

This paper presents one year of experience in the surgical treatment of gastrointestinal perforation-related peritonitis by surgeons in Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Data was retrospectively collected from patient records and quantitatively analyzed. Involved patients developed peritonitis secondary to gastrointestinal perforation requiring surgical exploration and interventions in the emergency department between November 2020 and October 2021.

Results

One hundred and fifty-eight patients were involved; the mean age was 43.46 years. The number of males was 87 (55.06%). The patients mostly presented with generalized abdominal pain (57.6%). All the patients had perforation-related peritonitis, which was most prevalent in the ileum (62%). The most performed surgical intervention was loop ileostomy (36.71%). Compared to other published reports, the incidence rate of wound dehiscence in the hospital was relatively higher. Postoperatively, wound infection was low if the skin was left open (23.62%) compared to closed skin (38.7%). Patient outcomes were acceptable as the death rate was low (3.2%, 5/158).

Conclusion

Peritonitis caused by gastrointestinal perforation is associated with a high risk of morbidity that necessitates surgical exploration. Leaving skin wound open after the surgical intervention is recommended to decrease the incidence of wound infection and dehiscence.

WSES/GAIS/SIS-E/WSIS/AAST global clinical pathways for patients with intra-abdominal infections

Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) are common surgical emergencies and have been reported as major contributors to non-trauma deaths in hospitals worldwide. The cornerstones of effective treatment of IAIs include early recognition, adequate source control, appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and prompt physiologic stabilization using a critical care environment, combined with an optimal surgical approach. Together, the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery (GAIS), the Surgical Infection Society-Europe (SIS-E), the World Surgical Infection Society (WSIS), and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) have jointly completed an international multi-society document in order to facilitate clinical management of patients with IAIs worldwide building evidence-based clinical pathways for the most common IAIs. An extensive non-systematic review was conducted using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases, limited to the English language. The resulting information was shared by an international task force from 46 countries with different clinical backgrounds. The aim of the document is to promote global standards of care in IAIs providing guidance to clinicians by describing reasonable approaches to the management of IAIs.

Pre-operative Intraperitoneal Drainage Under Local Anesthesia: A Promising Resuscitation Tool in Peritonitis Secondary to Hollow Viscus Perforation During the Corona Pandemic

Introduction To study the role of intraperitoneal drainage in the resuscitation of patients with perforation peritonitis during the corona pandemic. Materials and methods This retrospective study was conducted in the general surgery department of Nishtar Medical University/Hospital Multan from April 2020 to September 2020. Patients of peritonitis who presented with bilateral pulmonary crepitations, SpO2 less than 92%, PaO2 less than 60 mmHg on arterial blood gas (ABG), and chest x-ray (CXR) finding of bilateral infiltrates are included. Due to high suspicion of associated coronavirus infection such patients needed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for virus detection and special measures were required for resuscitation before any definitive treatment. A delay of six to eight hours is usually encountered while ensuring proper safety measures and dedicated operation theaters. Initial resuscitation started with intravenous fluids and broad-spectrum antibiotics were given to all patients. Twenty-seven patients were resuscitated with preoperative intraperitoneal drainage while waiting for PCR and 13 patients were resuscitated without drainage. Data analysis was carried out using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 19 software. The mean was calculated for age while frequency and percentages were calculated for gender, comorbidities, and causes of delay. The mortality was compared using the chi-square test. Results The mean age of patients was 43.73 ± 16.04 years. The common cause of peritonitis were perforations due to duodenal ulcer, typhoid, tuberculous (TB), and biliary origin. The variables that led to suspicion of coronavirus were SpO2 < 92%, PaO2 <60mmHg and bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray. PCR for coronavirus was positive in nine patients. Mortality was 29.6% in those resuscitated with intraperitoneal drainage before the definitive procedure and 54% in those not resuscitated with intraperitoneal drainage. Conclusions The surge of coronavirus infection has put the healthcare staff at great risk. This has led to strict protocols and precautionary measures in the management of patients with perforation peritonitis with suspected corona infection. The local guidelines for the management of patients with acute abdomen should include aggressive measures right from the start during the corona pandemic. Intraperitoneal drainage, early in the management of perforation peritonitis decreases morbidity and mortality in suspected corona infected patients.

Emerging Spectrum of Perforation Peritonitis in Developing World

Background: Gastrointestinal perforations constitute a major cause of patients with acute abdomen pain coming to the surgery emergency room. Incidence, site of perforation, and age is different in the developing world and is showing new trends. The etiological spectrum in the developing world is different from the western world. This study was conducted to find out the latest trends in perforation peritonitis in India. Methods: This study was conducted in a single surgical unit of Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, India. A total of 350 consecutive patients with perforation peritonitis were studied in terms of age, sex, seasonal variation, biochemical parameters, clinical presentation, radiological and intraoperative findings, surgical intervention, and postoperative outcome. Results: The most common cause of perforation peritonitis in our study was a duodenal ulcer (~50%) followed by typhoid (20%), traumatic (14.5%), appendicular (7.4%), and tubercular (3.1%) cases. Males were three times more commonly affected than females. Peak incidence was noted in the 2^nd and 3^rd decades of life. Peptic ulcer perforations were common in autumn and winter and typhoid perforations were common during the summer and rainy seasons. Conclusion: Spectrum of perforation peritonitis cases in this part of world is different from developed western countries. It is different in respect of younger age at presentation, site of perforation, and etiological factors. Infective pathology makes up to a quarter of total cases in the developing world. The developing world has more perforation peritonitis cases involving the upper gastrointestinal tract, while the western world has a predominance of lower gastrointestinal tract perforations.

Clinical Significance of Candida in an Intraoperative Peritoneal Specimen with Perforation Peritonitis: An Institutional Perspective

Introduction

Fungal infection of the peritoneum has become more common in recent years, the most common cause of which is Candida. Candida peritonitis is considered as a severe disease and is regarded as an independent risk factor for mortality in postoperative peritonitis. This study was planned to find out the clinical significance of Candida isolation on the outcome of the patients with peritonitis in terms of morbidity and mortality.

Methods

This prospective study included consecutive patients admitted and operated for secondary peritonitis over a two-year period in a tertiary care hospital in South India. The time delay was assessed from the onset of symptoms to surgery. The intraoperative peritoneal fluid aspirate was analyzed for culture sensitivity (fungal and bacterial). Patients were followed until their discharge from the hospital or death. This study analyzed the clinico-microbiological profile in patients with perforation peritonitis with special reference to Candida isolation. The analysis also looked the results of antifungal therapy (fluconazole) in patients positive for Candida isolation.

Results

The study included 407 consecutive patients with hollow viscus perforation diagnosed intraoperatively. Fungal organisms were identified in 153 patients (37.6%). Old age (> 50 years), high lag period (≥ 48 hours), peritoneal contamination, length of hospital stay, the presence of co-morbidities, shock at presentation, and postoperative complications were found to be significantly associated with fungal infection (p < 0.05). The study noted a significant decrease in the perioperative complications in patients who were started on antifungal treatment early (within 72 hours after surgery). There were significant reductions in the length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, ventilator support, and inotropic support in the postoperative period. However, we did not find any difference in mortality due to early treatment with fluconazole.

Conclusion

Candida peritonitis was associated with an increase in the mortality and morbidity, especially when associated with diabetes mellitus and fungemia. Early antifungal therapy (within 72 hours after surgery) reduced the morbidity due to Candida peritonitis but did not affect the mortality.

Management of intra-abdominal infections: recommendations by the WSES 2016 consensus conference

This paper reports on the consensus conference on the management of intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) which was held on July 23, 2016, in Dublin, Ireland, as a part of the annual World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) meeting. This document covers all aspects of the management of IAIs. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation recommendation is used, and this document represents the executive summary of the consensus conference findings.

Triple tube drainage for “difficult” gastroduodenal perforations: A prospective study

AIM

To prospectively study the outcome of difficult gastroduodenal perforations (GDPs) treated by triple tube drainage (TTD) in order to standardize the procedure.

METHODS

Patients presenting to a single surgical unit of a tertiary hospital with difficult GDPs (large, unfavourable local and systemic factors) were treated with TTD (gastrostomy, duodenostomy and feeding jejunostomy). Postoperative parameters were observed like time to return of bowel sounds, time to start enteral feeds, time to start oral feeds, daily output of all drains, time to clamping/removal of all drains, time for skin to heal, complications, hospital stay, and, mortality. Descriptive statistics were used.

RESULTS

Between December 2013 and April 2015, 20 patients undergoing TTD for GDP were included, with mean age of 44.6 ± 19.8 years and male:female ratio of 17:3. Mean pre-operative APACHE II scores were 10.85 ± 3.55; most GDPs were prepyloric (9/20; 45%) or proximal duodenal (8/20; 40%) and mean size was 1.83 ± 0.59 cm (largest 2.5 cm). Median times of resumption of enteral feeding, removal of gastrostomy, removal of duodenostomy, removal of feeding jejunostomy and oral feeding were 4 d (4-5 IQR), 13 (12-16.5 IQR), 16 (16.25-22.25 IQR), 18 (16.5-24 IQR) and 12 d (10.75-18.5 IQR) respectively. Median hospital stay was 22 d (19-26 IQR) while mortality was 4/20 (20%).

CONCLUSION

TTD for difficult GDP is feasible, easy in the emergency, and patients recover in two-three weeks. It obviates the need for technically demanding and riskier procedures.

The management of intra-abdominal infections from a global perspective: 2017 WSES guidelines for management of intra-abdominal infections

Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) are common surgical emergencies and have been reported as major contributors to non-trauma deaths in the emergency departments worldwide. The cornerstones of effective treatment of IAIs are early recognition, adequate source control, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Prompt resuscitation of patients with ongoing sepsis is of utmost important. In hospitals worldwide, non-acceptance of, or lack of access to, accessible evidence-based practices and guidelines result in overall poorer outcome of patients suffering IAIs. The aim of this paper is to promote global standards of care in IAIs and update the 2013 WSES guidelines for management of intra-abdominal infections.

Antimicrobials: a global alliance for optimizing their rational use in intra-abdominal infections (AGORA)

Intra-abdominal infections (IAI) are an important cause of morbidity and are frequently associated with poor prognosis, particularly in high-risk patients. The cornerstones in the management of complicated IAIs are timely effective source control with appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Empiric antimicrobial therapy is important in the management of intra-abdominal infections and must be broad enough to cover all likely organisms because inappropriate initial antimicrobial therapy is associated with poor patient outcomes and the development of bacterial resistance. The overuse of antimicrobials is widely accepted as a major driver of some emerging infections (such as C. difficile), the selection of resistant pathogens in individual patients, and for the continued development of antimicrobial resistance globally. The growing emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms and the limited development of new agents available to counteract them have caused an impending crisis with alarming implications, especially with regards to Gram-negative bacteria. An international task force from 79 different countries has joined this project by sharing a document on the rational use of antimicrobials for patients with IAIs. The project has been termed AGORA (Antimicrobials: A Global Alliance for Optimizing their Rational Use in Intra-Abdominal Infections). The authors hope that AGORA, involving many of the world's leading experts, can actively raise awareness in health workers and can improve prescribing behavior in treating IAIs.

The role of the open abdomen procedure in managing severe abdominal sepsis: WSES position paper

The open abdomen (OA) procedure is a significant surgical advance, as part of damage control techniques in severe abdominal trauma. Its application can be adapted to the advantage of patients with severe abdominal sepsis, however its precise role in these patients is still not clear. In severe abdominal sepsis the OA may allow early identification and draining of any residual infection, control any persistent source of infection, and remove more effectively infected or cytokine-loaded peritoneal fluid, preventing abdominal compartment syndrome and deferring definitive intervention and anastomosis until the patient is appropriately resuscitated and hemodynamically stable and thus better able to heal. However, the OA may require multiple returns to the operating room and may be associated with significant complications, including enteroatmospheric fistulas, loss of abdominal wall domain and large hernias. Surgeons should be aware of the pathophysiology of severe intra-abdominal sepsis and always keep in mind the option of using open abdomen to be able to use it in the right patient at the right time.

Non-traumatic ileal perforation: a retrospective study

Objective:

To determine clinical features, operative findings and post-operative complications in patients operated for non-traumatic ileal perforation and to discuss the role of typhoid vaccination.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study was carried out from 2009-2010. Seven patients were admitted through casualty as cases of acute abdomen. Underlying conditions were typhoid ulcers (4 patients) and non-specific etiology (3 patients). Diagnosis was made on clinical grounds, laboratory investigations, radiology and operative findings. Exploratory laporotomy was done. Different variables studied post-operatively were wound infection, residual abscess, recurrence and delayed post-operative complications.

Results:

Tenderness, distension and rigidity were found in maximum patients. Gases under diaphragm and air fluid levels were common radiological findings. However, widal test and blood culture for S. typhi was positive in four patients. Six patients had single perforation and one patient had two perforations, all being on antimesentric border of ileum. Maximum patients had peritoneal collection of less than 1000 ml. In five patients simple closure of perforation was done and in remaining two resection with end to side ileotransverse anatomosis was required. Wound infection and residual intraabdominal abscess were found in one patient each.

Conclusion:

Management criteria remain same in typhoid and non-specific perforations. Commonest cause of ileal perforation is typhoid fever in our country, so immunization against typhoid beyond 18 years of age is recommended.

Anesthetic management for patients with perforation peritonitis

Perforation peritonitis is a common surgical emergency. Anesthesia in patients with perforation peritonitis can be challenging. Delayed presentations, old age, hemodynamic instability, presence of sepsis and organ dysfunction are some of the predictors of poor outcome in such patients. Pre-operative optimization can reduce intraoperative and post-operative morbidity and mortality, but surgery should not be unnecessarily delayed. Intensive care in critical care settings may be essential.

Should routine contrast study be a norm before stoma reversal? A retrospective study of patients with temporary ileostomy

In the developed nations, temporary ileostomies are usually made in order to protect a distal anastomosis after cancer surgery. However, in India and the neighbouring countries ileal perforation is the most common indication for creating a temporary ileostomy after emergency laparotomy. It seems logical to perform a contrast study when a stoma that was made to protect a bowel anastomosis is being reversed in order to check for anastomosis healing, leak or stenosis. Although we do not know precisely when and why we started this practice, it is customary at our institute to do a contrast study before reversal of a temporary ileostomy. At some institutes a routine contrast study is never done. The utility of this practice has not previously been studied at our institute. This study tries to correlate the surgeon's clinical and operative findings with the contrast study report in order to see if it may be reasonable to reverse the stoma without a routine contrast study in selected patients where the surgeon has clearly documented absence of any gross disease in the distal bowel and who have had an uneventful post-operative period. To our knowledge this appears to be the first such attempt from our country.

Spectrum of perforation peritonitis in delhi: 77 cases experience

Perforation peritonitis is the most common surgical emergency encountered by surgeons all over the world as well in India. The spectrum of etiology of perforation peritonitis in tropical countries continues to differ from its western counterpart. This study was conducted at Hindu Rao Hospital, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi, India, designed to highlight the spectrum of perforation peritonitis in the eastern countries and to improve its outcome. This prospective study included 77 consecutive patients of perforation peritonitis studied in terms of clinical presentations, causes, site of perforation, surgical treatment, postoperative complications, and mortality at Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi, from March 1, 2011 to December 1, 2011, over a period of 8 months. All patients were resuscitated and underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy. On laparotomy cause of perforation peritonitis was found and controlled. The most common cause of perforation peritonitis noticed in our series was perforated duodenal ulcer (26.4 %) and ileal typhoid perforation (26.4 %), each followed by small bowel tuberculosis (10.3 %) and stomach perforation (9.2 %), perforation due to acute appendicitis (5 %). The highest number of perforations was seen in ileum (39.1 %), duodenum (26.4 %), stomach (11.5 %), appendix (3.5 %), jejunum (4.6 %), and colon (3.5 %). Overall mortality was 13 %. The spectrum of perforation peritonitis in India continuously differs from western countries. The highest number of perforations was noticed in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract as compared to the western countries where the perforations seen mostly in the distal part. The most common cause of perforation peritonitis was perforated duodenal ulcer and small bowel typhoid perforation followed by typhoid perforation. Large bowel perforations and malignant perforations were least common in our setup.

An audit of secondary peritonitis at a tertiary care university hospital of Sindh, Pakistan

Objective

Peritonitis is the most common life threatening surgical emergency, which requires urgent surgical intervention and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to highlight the frequency of secondary peritonitis and to analyze the site and causes of perforation, in our tertiary care setup.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 311 patients of secondary peritonitis was done from July 2008 to June 2010 at Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. All cases found to have peritonitis as a result of perforation of any part of gastrointestinal tract at the time of surgery were included in the study. All cases with either primary peritonitis or that due to anastomotic dehiscence were excluded.

Results

A total of 311 patients were studied. Most of the patients were males (77%) and (89%) were in the third and fourth decades of life. Majority of the patients presented with pain (97%) associated with bowel symptoms. Most common site of perforation was small bowel (ileal 59%, jujenal 2%). In this series, most common risk factor of perforation was typhoid (43%). Ileostomy was the most commonly performed procedure. Overall morbidity was 48.5% and mortality was 17%.

Conclusion

Considering the relatively higher rate of typhoid perforation quoted in this study, it is vital that typhoid fever ought to be eliminated by improved sanitation and immunizing programmes, otherwise surgeons will be confronted with its complications.

Validation of the use of POSSUM score in enteric perforation peritonitis - results of a prospective study

Introduction

The objective of the study was to present our last 5-years experience of peritonitis and validate POSSUM score in predicting mortality and morbidity in patients of enteric perforation (EP) peritonitis.

Methods

Data was collected prospectively for all peritonitis cases admitted in single surgical unit from January 2005 to December 2009. Parameters for calculating POSSUM were also retrieved; in these patients, O:E (Observed vs. Expected) ratio of mortality and morbidity were estimated after calculating predicted mortality and morbidity by exponential regression equations.

Results

887 patients with peritonitis were admitted and treated in this unit during the 5 years of study period. Duodenal (n=431; 48%) followed by ileal (n=380; 42.8%) perforations were the commonest. Mean age of the patients was 34 years and 86% were males. Mean delay in presentation was 78.5 hrs. Mean duration of hospital and ICU stay was 13 and 7.2 days. Postoperative complications were seen in 481 (54%) patients, and 90 (10%) patients died. POSSUM scores and predicted mortality/morbidity were calculated in 380 patients of ileal perforation peritonitis; O:E ratio of mortality and morbidity were 0.47 and 0.85 in these patients.

Conclusion

POSSUM and P-POSSUM are accurate tools for predicting morbidity and mortality respectively in EP patients. Though they may sometime over or under predict morbidity as well as mortality.

A focus on intra-abdominal infections

Complicated intra-abdominal infections are an important cause of morbidity and are frequently associated with poor prognosis, particularly in higher risk patients.

Well defined evidence-based recommendations for intra-abdominal infections treatment are partially lacking because of the limited number of randomized-controlled trials.

Factors consistently associated with poor outcomes in patients with intra-abdominal infections include increased illness severity, failed source control, inadequate empiric antimicrobial therapy and healthcare-acquired infection.

Early prognostic evaluation of complicated intra-abdominal infections is important to select high-risk patients for more aggressive therapeutic procedures.

The cornerstones in the management of complicated intra-abdominal infections are both source control and antibiotic therapy.

The timing and the adequacy of source control are the most important issues in the management of intra-abdominal infections, because inadequate and late control of septic source may have a negative effect on the outcomes.

Recent advances in interventional and more aggressive techniques could significantly decrease the morbidity and mortality of physiologically severe complicated intra-abdominal infections, even if these are still being debated and are yet not validated by limited prospective trials.

Empiric antimicrobial therapy is nevertheless important in the overall management of intra-abdominal infections. Inappropriate antibiotic therapy may result in poor patient outcomes and in the appearance of bacterial resistance.

Antimicrobial management is generally standardised and many regimens, either with monotherapy or combination therapy, have proven their efficacy. Routine coverage especially against Enterococci and candida spp is not always recommended, but can be useful in particular clinical conditions. A de escalation approach may be recommended in patients with specific risk factors for multidrug resistant infections such as immunodeficiency and prolonged antibacterial exposure.

Therapy should focus on the obtainment of adequate source control and adequate use of antimicrobial therapy dictated by individual patient risk factors. Other critical issues remain debated and more controversies are still open mainly because of the limited number of randomized controlled trials.

Trichosporon peritonitis following duodenal perforation

Fungal peritonitis, which was once a rare entity, is becoming increasingly common due to various immunocompromised conditions. Candida species are considered the common cause of fungal peritonitis in most cases. However, at present, other yeasts and filamentous fungi are replacing the dominance of Candida albicans as well as other Candida species. Trichosporon species are widely distributed in nature and are normal flora in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. Ever since the report of disseminated trichosporonosis in 1970, several cases of infections by various Trichosporon species in different clinical patients have been published. Here, we present a patient with Trichosporon peritonitis after duodenal perforation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of its kind from India.

Spectrum of perforation peritonitis in Pakistan: 300 cases Eastern experience

Background

Perforation peritonitis is the most common surgical emergency encountered by the surgeons all over the world as well in Pakistan. The spectrum of etiology of perforation peritonitis in tropical countries continues to differ from its western counter part. This study was conducted at Dow University of health sciences and Civil Hospital Karachi (DUHS & CHK) Pakistan, designed to highlight the spectrum of perforation peritonitis in the East and to improve its outcome.

Methods

A prospective study includes three hundred consecutive patients of perforation peritonitis studied in terms of clinical presentations, Causes, site of perforation, surgical treatment, post operative complications and mortality, at (DUHS&CHK) Pakistan, from 1st September 2005 – 1st March 2008, over a period of two and half years. All patients were resuscitated underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy. On laparotomy cause of perforation peritonitis was found and controlled.

Results

The most common cause of perforation peritonitis noticed in our series was acid peptic disease 45%, perforated duodenal ulcer (43.6%) and gastric ulcer 1.3%. followed by small bowel tuberculosis (21%) and typhoid (17%). large bowel perforation due to tuberculosis 5%, malignancy 2.6% and volvulus 0.3%. Perforation due to acute appendicitis (5%). Highest number of perforations has seen in the duodenum 43.6%, ileum37.6%, and colon 8%, appendix 5%, jejunum 3.3%, and stomach 2.3%. Overall mortality was (10.6%).

Conclusion

The spectrum of perforation peritonitis in Pakistan continuously differs from western country. Highest number of perforations noticed in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract as compared to the western countries where the perforations seen mostly in the distal part. Most common cause of perforation peritonitis is perforated duodenal ulcer, followed by small bowel tuberculosis and typhoid perforation. Majority of the large bowel perforations are also tubercular. Malignant perforations are least common in our setup.

Peritonitis - the Western experience

Peritonitis is a common surgical emergency. This manuscript will provide an overview of recent developments in the management of peritonitis in the Western world. Emphasis is placed on the emergence of new treatments and their impact of outcomes.