INTRAABDOMINAL SEPSIS

Intra-abdominal sepsis is usually a complication of intraabdominal inf ection, secondary to gastrointestinal tract perforation or loss of int estinal barrier integrity, Consecutive spread of enteric bacteria and (endo)toxins is followed by the release of inflammatory mediators (cyt okines) causing a systemic inflammatory response, and eventually immun oparalysis and (septic) multi-organ dysfunction. Eradication of the in fection focus, together with appropriate antibiotic therapy and suppor tive intensive care, are the cornerstones of treating abdominal sepsis , Therapeutic strategies aimed at influencing the immune response have been attempted but have not yet proved to be effective in controlled clinical trials.