RESUMEN
The authors had 475 patients with appendicular peritonitis under observation. All of them underwent emergency operation and were given antibacterial therapy with metronidazole and agents of the aminoglycoside series. Among 223 patients, the operation on whom was completed by traditional drainage of the abdominal cavity and complete closure of the operative wound, 148 patients developed postoperative complications. Five patients died. In 252 patients, primarily delayed sutures were applied to the wound and drainage of the abdominal cavity was limited. The abdominal cavity was inspected repeatedly in 24 patients with generalized peritonitis and clinical signs of anaerobic nonclostridial infection. Postoperative complications occurred in 87 patients and were limited to suppuration of the wound. One patient died.