Advances in laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of secondary peritonitis due to gastrointestinal perforation: a systematic review of mortality, complications, and recovery time

Resumo

This systematic review will explore the effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery (LS) in treating secondary peritonitis resulting from gastrointestinal perforation while focusing mortality, complications and recovery time. Multiple papers with different styles including retrospective analyses, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses are included from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar Embase and CINAHL databases. Studies from2014-2025 are included. Overall laparoscopic surgery showed lower mortality rates compared to open surgery with mortality rates ranging from 1.6% to 8.82%. Reported complications were wound infections were fewer with LS, though the incidence of complications was higher. Studies show reduced recovery time associated with LS with shorter hospital stays and faster resumption of normal activities. LS also offers reduction in postoperative pain and faster return to liquid diet while demonstrating benefits in the early postoperative period. The necessity for qualified surgeons and variation in results depending on patient characteristics and surgical methods are some of issues that still exist despite these encouraging results. Higher reoperation rates and the possibility of higher healthcare expenses in specific circumstances were also noted in several research. We conclude laparoscopic surgery is a successful treatment for secondary peritonitis which is providing better results in terms of mortality, complications and recovery time; however, patient selection and surgeon skill are key factors in its effectiveness.