Saline versus Metronidazole Peritoneal Lavage in Operated Cases of Peritonitis- A Longitudinal Study

Introduction: Perforation peritonitis is a fairly common surgical problem. Despite recent advances in surgical practice, postoperative minor and major complications are common in patients of peritonitis. Intraoperative peritoneal lavage is an important operative management and the choice of fluid can affect the outcome. Aim: To compare the outcomes of peritoneal lavage using normal saline versus metronidazole in cases of perforation peritonitis in patients undergoing laparotomy, with respect to surgical site infections, sepsis, wound dehiscence, hospital stay. Materials and Methods: The present study was a longitudinal study done on 80 patients, divided in two groups with 40 cases in each group. In one group, peritoneal cavity was lavaged with 2 L of normal saline and closed after putting drains. In the other group, peritoneal cavity was lavaged with 2 L normal saline mixed with 100 mL (500 mg) of metronidazole and abdomen was closed in layers after placing two drains, kept closed for one hour after abdominal closure. Chi-square test was used, and p