Postoperative peritoneal lavage in generalised peritonitis. A prospective analysis.

Fifty patients with generalised peritonitis were studied in the period between November 1984 and May 1986, 20 with postoperative peritoneal lavage and 30 with only conventional treatment. The study revealed that lavage could not reduce mortality. There was a large number of reperforation and anastomotic leak associated with it. Among patients who survived, lavage did however aid in rendering patients afebrile and in the return of the bowel sound early. Hospital stay was also reduced. We agree with earlier suggestions that the use of peritoneal lavage with its labour, intensiveness and potential complications is restricted to gross peritoneal contamination and its use in lesser degree of peritonitis is questionable.