Secondary peritonitis is the most common cause of inflammatory acute abdomen treated at general surgery departments. Only early and correct diagnosis may improve the prognosis of these patients.
The authors compiled an interdisciplinary review of the basic principles of diagnosis and treatment of secondary peritonitis, which reflects current findings supported by evidence-based medicine. The work is based on published international literature but also shares opinions and experiences of the selected specialists.
The presented work in its extent is not meant to substitute an in-depth study of the issue, but to allow a basic and quick review of the topic.