[Morphology of the parietal peritoneum and peritoneal exudate in peritonitis].

Biopsies of the peritoneum and cells of peritoneal exudate were examined in 36 patients with various phases and extension of acute purulent peritonitis. In 34 of them biopsy was taken before and after therapeutic treatment with low-frequency ultrasound. In all the cases the material was examined by light microscope, in 9 by means of transmission electron microscopy, in 2 by means of scanning electron microscopy. The peritoneum of 3 patients undergoing planned operation was studied as the control. It was shown that on the first day of peritonitis development there occurred active contraction of endotheliocytes of peritoneal microvessels with divergence of intercellular contacts resulting in sharp extravasation of the liquid, condensation of the blood formed elements, and formation of stases and microthrombi. The latter prevented marginal stay and emigration of leukocytes. Ultrasonic treatment facilitated the destruction of microthrombi and was accompanied by intensive leukocyte migration.