Introduction: Primary peritonitis results from bacterial, chlamydial, fungal, or mycobacterial infection in the absence of perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Secondary peritonitis occurs in the setting of gastrointestinal perforation. Frequent causes of secondary bacterial peritonitis include peptic ulcer disease, acute appendicitis, colonic diverticulitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Methodology: This study comprises of 50 cases of acute peritonitis coming to Medical College & Hospital. A pre-tested proforma was used to collect the relevant information by history, clinical examination of patients, relevant investigations required and treatment. Patients were admitted as and when they presented with the following inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: Total of 6 patients expired. 4 patients died of septicemia and multiple organ failure. Mortality in duodenal perforation cases is 7.2% and in ileal perforation cases its 50%. Only 1 case of colonic perforation present so mortality cannot be considered. 2 patients of duodenal perforation died of septicemia and multiple organ failure. A case of colonic perforation died of myocardial infarction.

Conclusion: Mortality is proportional to age, derangement of physiological parameters like hypotension, delay in surgery and as perforation site becomes distal from duodenum to colon.