An observational assessment of the clinico-etiological profile and management outcome of peritonitis secondary to hollow viscus perforation

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the etiological profile, surgical management and its peri-operative complications of peritonitis secondary to hollow viscus perforation. Methods: The present observational study was conducted in the department of general surgery for the period of 1 year. An analysis of 100 individuals with generalised peritonitis from hollow viscus perforation was conducted. Gender, diagnosis, operating technique, and first-month peri-operative problems were examined. Results: 40% of patients were 20-40 years old, 80% men and 20% women. 72% had problems and 7% died. Peptic ulcer disease was the most prevalent cause at 35%, followed by idiopathic 29%, typhoid 13%, malignancy 12%, appendicular perforation 7%, and trauma 4%. Most perforations were gastric (35%), duodenal (20%), ileal (18%), large bowel 12%, appendicular 8%, and jejunal 7%. There were 9 (9%) appendicectomy instances. No problems occurred in 2 (22%) subjects. Wound infection was the most prevalent consequence in 21 patients (41%), followed by abdominal dehiscence (11%), paralytic ileus (11%), bronchopneumonia (18%), faecal fistula (10%), and abdominal abscess (7%). Conclusion: Hollow viscus perforation is the most frequent surgical emergency, and its outcomes and consequences vary on age, general health, location, co-morbidities, and aetiologies, with tropical nations having different pathophysiology than western ones. Also observed is an increase in cancers.