The effect of intraperitoneal fluid on the prevention of small intestinal obstruction after appendicectomy. Preliminary results.

In 173 patients (study group), undergoing appendicectomy because of suspected acute appendicitis, normal saline solution, in the amount of 10 ml per 1000 g of patient weight, was injected into the peritoneal cavity before closing the incision. A control group of patients undergoing appendicectomy was selected, matched for age and sex. The mean observation period was five years for both groups. One of the patients in the study group and two patients in the control group developed small intestinal obstruction due to adhesions which led to relaparotomy. The difference was not statistically significant. Because of the rarity of this complication after appendicectomy (1-2%) and the long elapse of time reported from the appendicectomy to the development of the small intestinal obstruction due to adhesions, the group of 173 patients in too small and the observation period of five years too short to enable a conclusion to be made so far. Further follow-up of the patients in this study and a further investigation is necessary.