Factors reducing mortality in typhoid ileal perforation.

A retrospective study of 42 patients treated surgically for typhoid ileal perforation found the mortality to be 24%. The study suggested that general peritonitis was the main cause of death in typhoid ileal perforation. However, the high mortality was significantly improved by adequate preoperative rehydration. The combination of chloramphenicol/gentamicin/metronidazole was superior to other antibiotic regimes. No mortality was recorded with this triple drug therapy.