[Antibacterial therapy of purulent peritonitis: a prospective randomized study on the effects of antibiotics and taurolin, a new chemotherapeutic and antiendotoxic agent (author's transl)].

A prospective randomized study on the value of additional antibacterial therapy in surgically treated, purulent peritonitis (69 patients) is presented. A new chemotherapeutic agent Taurolin with antiendotoxin activity is tested against conventional antibiotic therapy. There was an increased rate of secondary wound healing and overall complications in the Taurolin group (especially bronchopneumonia). Local complications and lethality due to peritonitis occur similarly frequently in both groups. The bactericidal and antiendotoxic effects of Taurolin, its lacking toxicity (possibility of higher dosage), and the choice of combination with antibiotics make it a most interesting substance for additional antibacterial therapy for purulent peritonitis following surgical treatment.