Generalized infective peritonitis.

A mortality of almost 50 per cent from generalized infective peritonitis was obtained. Diagnosis was made chiefly on clinical grounds. Delay was common. Investigations were primarily useful in determining the degree of metabolic derangement. A worsened prognosis could be predicted by several factors assessed preoperatively. The usual cause of death was continuing intraperitoneal sepsis. This was manifest as multisystem failure in an intensive care environment. Abdominal signs of this infection were infrequent.