title: The continuing challenge of intra-abdominal infection.
abstract: Intra-abdominal infection is common and frequently seen by the surgeon. Mortality is related to disease acuity and organ failure. This report, based on medical literature and personal experience, is a brief review of this subject, highlighting important historical milestones and recent advances in surgical and antibiotic therapy. Peritonitis remains a clinical challenge. Aggressive resuscitation, diagnostic imaging, and surgical treatment are the mainstays of appropriate therapy. Percutaneous drainage of intra-abdominal collections has increased over time and is particularly helpful in certain postoperative patients. Adjunctive antibiotic therapy against gram-negative aerobes and anaerobes should be limited to a 7- to 10-day course, except in selected patients, such as those with inadequate source controls.
authors.affiliation: Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40292, USA. wg.cheadle@louisville.edu
authors.forename: William G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Cheadle
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Spain
mesh_terms: D034841:Abdominal Cavity / Q000382:microbiology*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents