AIM: The aim of this study was to assess causes of peritonitides resulting from acute abdominal perforations in a group of elderly patients and to evaluate the yield of common classification systems in predicting the risks of postoperative complications, in particular of postoperative death rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective analysis included 123 patients aged 70 y.o.a. and over (65 males, 58 females, the mean age was 78.7 y.o.a.), who underwent surgical revision for signs of peritonitis due to urgent GIT perforation, over a five-year period. The patients were assigned to groups based on their baseline diagnosis and on the procedure performed. The PSS (Peritonitis Severity Score) and MPI (Mannheim Peritonitis Index) classification systems factors were assessed. Statistical significance of the classification systems was evaluated, as well as their relation. RESULTS: Overall death rate of the studied group was 30% (37 patients). The highest death rate related to the baseline diagnosis was observed in the GIT ischemia group (67%). Based on the procedure, the highest death rate was observed in the enterostomy group (75%). Overall morbidity related to a known wound infection was 24% (29 patients). Significant correlation between the both classification systems was demonstrated (Spearman's correlation coefficient 0.86). Of the all studied factors creating classification schemes, the following proved statistically most significant: ASA IV, peritonitis Hinchey grade III-IV, existing immunosuppression and signs of organ failure (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Perforation peritonitis remains a high risk condition, considering the postoperative morbidity rates, as well as the death rates. Perforation of the sigmoid diverticle was the commonest cause of GIT perforations in the elderly. The highest death rate was observed in those with ischemic ethiology. The PSS and MPI scoring systems are of high prediction value in the assessment of the risk of postoperative death.

Chirurgická klinika Lékarské fakulty UK v Hradci Králové a Fakultní nemocnice Hradec Králové

Prognostic Significance of Simple Scoring Systems in the Prediction of Diffuse Peritonitis Morbidity and Mortality