Abstract
Background: Perforative peritonitis poses a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the attending surgeon. Delay in diagnosis followed by sub-optimal treatment may lead to a multitude of complications thereby increasing both morbidity and mortality. This is by virtue of various factors which affect the prognosis. Hence the need arises to identify these prognostic factors.
Aims and Objectives: To study the various etiological factors of perforative peritonitis and to identify prognostic factors and comorbid conditions which influence the outcome in perforative peritonitis.
Materials and Methods: 50 patients with an established diagnosis of perforative peritonitis due to various aetiologies confirmed by clinical and radiological investigations were included in the study and studied prospectively. On admission to the hospital, various haematological and radiological investigations were carried out to confirm the diagnosis. Patients subsequently underwent surgical intervention. Postoperative recovery and outcomes assessed. Results were tabulated and statistically analysed.
Results: The mean age of patients in the study was 36.5 ±5 years. Patients who presented in an advanced stage developed complications. The majority of patients were males. The interval between the onset of symptoms and operative intervention was directly related to postoperative complications. Pneumoperitoneum was the most common x-ray finding followed by dilated bowel loops with free fluid in the peritoneal cavity as the most common ultrasonography finding. Tachycardia and oliguria which were markers of the severity of the disease process were associated with an increased rate of complications. Peptic ulcer perforation was the most common followed by perforations caused by infective aetiology. Perforations caused by infective aetiology had a higher rate of complication. Primary closure of the perforation was the most commonly performed procedure. Significant abdominal contamination found intraoperatively contributed to a negative outcome as were comorbid conditions, which also increased the complication rate significantly.
Conclusion: Delayed intervention after the onset of symptoms, tachycardia, oliguria and comorbidities are associated with higher complication rates. Radiological investigations help in confirming the diagnosis. Infective aetiology of the perforation and extensive peritoneal contamination was associated with higher complication rates. Prompt and aggressive resuscitation on admission, optimum antibiotic administration, and early meticulous surgical intervention can reduce morbidity and mortality to a bare minimum.

Key words: Perforative, Peritonitis, Factors, Morbidity, Mortality