Nonoperative antiinfective treatment of intraabdominal infections.

There are many causes of peritonitis. Primary peritonitis is rare, but may complicate cirrhosis of the liver or may, in developing countries, be caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is occasionally iatrogenic, particularly as a complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. It is, however, most frequently the result of perforation of a hollow viscus, caused by either trauma or disease. Its most lethal form follows breakdown of an intestinal anastomosis. Primary and iatrogenic peritonitis should be treated with antibiotics, and localized abscesses can sometimes be cured by percutaneous aspiration. Secondary peritonitis requires resuscitation, antibiotics, and operation. When there is gross microbial invasion, it is wise to avoid suture of the hollow viscus. If there is a strong chance of recurrence of intraabdominal abscesses, nonclosure of the abdomen is theoretically desirable and allows frequent reexploration. This is particularly applicable to pancreatic abscesses.