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Abstract
Background: To study the frequency of trauma and peritonitis requiring emergency laparotomy .
Methods: In this descriptive study patients undergoing midline emergency laparotomy were enrolled. Patients were divided into three groups, i.e., Group A(1-30 years of age), Group B ( 31-60 years of age) and Group C ( more than 61 years of age). Information regarding age, sex, presenting complaints and diagnostic findings were collected . Laparotomy through midline was performed in all patients .
Results: Out of 440 patients, majority(63.6%) were male . Patients belonging to 1-30 years (Group A) were 58.18%. Majority (75.68%) were operated for peritonitis, rest (24.32%) were due to trauma. Enteric perforation (26.43%) was the commonest cause of peritonitis
Conclusion: Peritonitis is the leading cause of exploratory laparotomy in the surgical emergency at a tertiary care hospital in our setup. Enteric and tuberculous perforations are the major causes of peritonitis.