[Postoperative peritonitis: intraperitoneal lavage with antibiotics (author's transl)].

Despite antibiotics, mortality in postoperative peritonitis has increased in the last 50 years. The main reasons are: modern medical technology and different types of patients. Operations are an unphysiologic intervention into the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneum is part of an immunologic defense system against bacterial growth and penetration into the peritoneal cavity. Circulatory and lymphatic vessels are in close contact. RES of the liver and spleen is stopped directly and indirectly by antibiotic drugs, and there is no pharmacodynamic direction after intraperitoneal injection. There is clinical improvement in mortality following lavage with antibiotics.