Objective: To assess the mortality related factors of patients after relaparotomy on demand.
Background: In some patients, a relaparotomy after a primary laparotomy will be necessary, most due to acute complications. The relaparotomy can be planned or on demand based on the evolution of the patient. Which of these approaches is better is still a matter of debate.
Material and methods: Thirty three patients underwent relaparatomy on demand in a general surgery unit.
Results: Of 51 relaparotomies, 98% were positive. Nineteen of the 33 patients died, resulting in a mortality rate of 58%. The factors associated with mortality were development of an intestinal fistula (p < 0.02), wound infection (p < 0.03), generalized peritonitis in the primary surgery (p < 0.001), urgent primary laparotomy (p < 0.003), development of multiple organ failure (p < 0.005), and respiratory insufficiency (p < 0.01).
Conclusions: Laparotomy on demand is useful in the treatment of patients with abdominal sepsis; however, the mortality is still very high.