Acute perforated appendicitis (Dutch)

Abstract

The mortality following acute perforated appendicitis has been drastically reduced due to advances in anesthesia and adequate postoperative care directed at anticoagulation therapy and correction of the fluid balance. The controversial attitude towards peritoneal washing and instillation of antibiotics in the presence of acute perforated appendicitis is the subject of this study. Between 1967 and 1973, 164 patients (incidence 10%) with acute perforated appendicitis were treated with peroperative washings of the peritoneal cavity, intraperitoneal and parenteral administration of antibiotics (mainly rolitetracycline) and drainage of the abdominal wall, with omission of an intraabdominal drain. No patients died; complications were encountered in 10% of cases.