Primary small bowel anastomosis in generalised peritonitis.
OBJECTIVE
To find out if primary small bowel anastomosis of the bowel is safe in patients with generalised peritonitis who are treated by planned relaparotomies.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
University hospital, The Netherlands.


METHODS
10 Patients with generalised purulent peritonitis caused by perforation of the bowel.


METHODS
Resection or wedge resection of the bowel and primary intestinal anastomosis followed by planned relaparotomies every 24-48 hours.


METHODS
Mortality and morbidity with special reference to anastomotic leaks.


RESULTS
Two patients died. Four of 20 wedge excisions in one patient leaked. All 19 end-to-end anastomoses in 10 patients healed without complications. Two patients developed small bowel fistulas which were not related to the anastomoses.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary end-to-end anastomosis of the small bowel followed by planned relaparotomies seems a safe alternative to the creation of an enterostomy in patients with generalised purulent peritonitis and perforation of the bowel.
de Graaf
J S
JS
Department of Surgery, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
van Goor
H
H
Bleichrodt
R P
RP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000601:surgery*; D007813:Laparotomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D016896:Treatment Outcome