Objective:

To evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of the use of the Mannheimen index in patients with diffuse peritonitis as a predictor of mortality in the General Surgery Service of the Dr. Luis Razetti Hospital in Barinas, Venezuela.

Method:

Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, framed in a non-experimental field epidemiological investigation, from January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2014.

Results:

A total of 156 patients, 88 men (56.4 %) and 68 women (43.6 %), with an average age of 49.44 years. Average Mannheim index of 27.21 points. Overall mortality of 22.4 % (35 deaths). 74 patients with a score below 26 and specific mortality of 1.35 %, 82 patients with a score greater than 26 and a specific mortality of 41.46 %. Organic failure was in 41.7% of cases and 100 % of those killed. Hospital stay of 6.45 days on average. The study favors the Mannheim index as a predictor of mortality with a sensitivity of 97.14 %, and a specificity of 60.33 %.

Conclusion:

the Mannheim peritonitis index is a useful, reproducible and easily applied tool by the surgeon for the prognosis of mortality in patients with peritonitis, patients with an index equal to or greater than 26 points have a worse prognosis and higher mortality. what should go to the intermediate or critical care room, applying and adjusting proper management and treatment.