Secondary peritonitis follows an intraperitoneal source usually from perforation of a hollow viscus. Despite advances in diagnosis, surgical technique, antimicrobial therapy and intensive care support, secondary peritonitis remains a potentially fatal affliction. Several scoring systems were developed to evaluate and compare the outcome of treatment. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes of secondary peritonitis using APACHE II score. Material and Method: This prospective study was conducted for a period of 12 months on 50 patients admitted as cases of secondary peritonitis in the Department of Surgery, Government Medical College & Hospital, Amritsar, Punjab, India. The acute physiological parameters of APACHE II score were assessed and recorded at the time of admission. Postoperative outcomes were assessed and compared with the APACHE II scores. Result: Patients who had a score between 0-9 had the most favorable prognosis and worst prognosis was seen with scores above 20. The lowest mortality was seen in patients with scores less than 20. Conclusion: APACHE II score, as measured before the treatment of secondary peritonitis, correlates significantly with the outcome of the disease with respect to both morbidity and mortality.
