The use of Marlex mesh in patients with generalized peritonitis and multiple organ system failure.

Patients with generalized peritonitis form a rather threatened group, with a high mortality and risk of complications which increases when multiple organ failure develops. In 20 patients with this condition, the laparotomy wound was closed without tension using a Marlex mesh prosthesis, after surgical treatment of the underlying illness and drainage of the abdominal cavity. The mortality was lower than expected, according to data from the literature; also, pulmonary complications, residual abscesses and wound dehiscence occurred less frequently. This method seems to be a valuable contribution to the complex treatment of these patients.