A retrospective clinical study was carried out on a group of 18 patients with severe intraperitoneal infections due to various causes. The decision to use laparotomy was supported by the severity of sepsis (APACHE II score varied from 14 to 30), highly septic peritoneal fluid, the features of peritonitis, patients with impaired immunity. Open packing was realized with a Dacron mesh sutured to the fascial margins, associated with multiple peritoneal drainage in all cases. Postoperative mortality was 50%, mainly to rapid evolution of septic shock, unresponsive to intensive care support. Secondary suture was performed after granulation of the wound, on the day 14-21 postoperatively followed at 3-4 months by definitive repair of the abdominal wall in 2 cases. Laparotomy proved to be an efficient treatment in severe peritonitis, that should be used prior to irreversible phases of septic shock.