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Peritoneal lavage (therapeutic)

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Therapeutic peritoneal lavage is an ancillary form of treatment for peritonitis. There are at least two methods:

  • operative: a long vertical incision is made in the abdomen and the essential reparative surgical procedures are carried out
    • any free pus or faeces is removed
    • the bowel is gently drawn out of the abdomen, fibrinous plaques are removed, and the bowel and the cavity are washed; special care is taken to wash the subphrenic, subhepatic and paracolic areas
    • warm normal saline, with the possible addition of 1 gram per litre of tetracycline, is poured into the abdominal cavity, sucked out, and then a second administration is applied
    • the wound is closed

  • continuous irrigation: two catheters are inserted into the abdomen:
    • a Tenckhoff peritoneal dialysis catheter is inserted deep into the pelvis
    • a standard catheter, or alternatively a drain, is inserted into one of the paracolic gutters depending on the site of maximal sepsis
    • normal saline or peritoneal dialysis fluid is introduced through the pelvic catheter and drained out through the paracolic gutter
    • the most common use for this is the treatment of a necrotic pancreas

Occasionally, the former laparotomy approach is supplemented by the latter technique after closing the abdomen.


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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