Given the shortened length of hospitalization selleckchem and the rarity of serious complications such as intraperitoneal hemorrhage and biliary peritonitis, endoscopic drainage is preferred to open drainage [186–189]. Post-operative intra-abdominal infections Post-operative peritonitis can be a life-threatening

complication of abdominal surgery associated with high rates of organ failure and mortality. Treating patients with post-operative peritonitis requires supportive therapy of organ dysfunction, source BKM120 ic50 control of infection via surgery and/or drainage, and intensive antimicrobial therapy [190]. Treatment recommendations are of little value given that randomized clinical trials are extremely difficult to perform for this particular pathology, and consequently, little relevant literature is available on the subject. Percutaneous drainage is the optimal means of treating post-operative localized intra-abdominal abscesses

when there are no signs of generalized peritonitis (Recommendation 2C). Several retrospective studies in the fields of surgery and radiology have documented the effectiveness of percutaneous drainage in the treatment of post-operative localized intra-abdominal abscesses [191–193]. Source control should be initiated as promptly as possible following detection and diagnosis of post-operative intra-abdominal peritonitis. Ineffective control of the septic source is associated with significantly elevated mortality rates (Recommendation 1C). Inability to control the septic source is associated with significant increases in patient mortality. Organ failure and/or subsequent re-laparotomies that CDK inhibitor have been delayed for more than 24 hours both result in higher rates of mortality for patients affected by post-operative intra-abdominal infections [194]. Physical and laboratory tests are of limited value in diagnosing abdominal sepsis. CT scans typically Glutamate dehydrogenase offer the greatest diagnostic accuracy. Early re-laparotomies appear to be the most effective means of treating post-operative peritonitis [195]. Re-laparotomy strategy In certain instances

infection can lead to an excessive immune response and sepsis may progress to severe sepsis, septic shock, or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). In these cases, patients are severely destabilized by the septic shock and will likely experience increased complication and mortality rates [196]. These patients benefit from aggressive surgical treatment, prompt intervention, and successive follow-up surgeries (“re-operations”) to better control MODS triggered by the ongoing intra-abdominal infection [197]. Deciding if and when to perform a re-laparotomy in cases of secondary peritonitis is largely subjective and based on professional experience. Factors indicative of progressive or persistent organ failure during early post-operative follow-up analysis are the best indicators of ongoing infection [198].