[Topical problems in classification and treatment of disseminated purulent peritonitis].

A critical analysis of modern classifications of peritonitis has been done. The article is based on the analyses of 347 patients with peritonitis in the phase of subcompensation and decompensation (polyorganic failure). The author suggests to differentiate peritonitis according to the character of inflammation and rate of dissemination: diffuse peritonitis (local, disseminated and general) and localized (abscesses and infiltrates). The term "general peritonitis" should not be used because it combines the definition of "diffuse" and "disseminated" peritonitis. The programmed staged peritoneal lavage (cleaning and revision of peritoneum) is advocated as a method of choice in the treatment of residual infection. Nasointestinal drainage of small intestine should be used in treatment of paralytic ileus.