Efficacy of metronidazole lavage in treatment of intraperitoneal sepsis. A prospective study.

In a prospective study, 182 consecutive patients were included for the treatment of intraabdominal sepsis with adjuvant metronidazole lavage that was carried out at the end of the operative procedures. Eighty of them underwent emergency surgery for peritonitis and 102 elective surgery for a variety of lesions. Although fecal peritonitis was found in 23 and malignant tumors in 84 patients, there was not a single instance of intraabdominal abscess in 182 patients, but the incidence of wound infection was 2.66% in the emergency group and 0% in the elective group; mortality was 5% and 3.9%, respectively. Therefore, adjuvant metronidazole lavage provides confidence in the treatment of intraperitoneal abscess, and it enhances a quick recovery. It is safe to use and cost effective.