An overview of the pathophysiology and treatment of secondary peritonitis

Intraabdominal infection was first thoroughly described by Hippocrates. Centuries later, despite advances in surgical and supportive therapies, this disease state continues, to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the literature on intraabdominal-infections. It describes the pathophysiology, classification, and etiology of intraabdominal, infections focusing primarily on secondary peritonitis. The bacteriology of the gastrointestinal tract in both the normal and infected host is reviewed. Animal models are presented to help the reader understand the natural progression of peritoneal contamination and the role of antibiotics in this model. Treatment options, including newly approved antimicrobial agents and agents under clinical Investigation, are reviewed.