Postoperative ascites associated with intraperitoneal antiseptic lavage

BACKGROUND: Peritonitis is the established term for infective inflammation of the peritoneum, whereas serositis generally refers to aseptic inflammation of a serous cavity, including the peritoneum. Serositis may be metabolic, viral, autoimmune, drug induced, genetic, allergic or granulomatous, or due to chemical antiseptics. CASES: In our gynecological department, 4 patients had peritonitis and ascites after laparotomy. CONCLUSION: Based on the investigation, we think that the solution used for peritoneal lavage (0.1% octenidine dihydrochloride and 2% phenoxyethanol) played a role in the tissue toxicity that caused chemical serositis with effusion. (c) 2005 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.