Background and Aims: Lung protective ventilation (LPV) is recommended in acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, role of intraoperative LPV in elective laparotomy is controversial and it has not been evaluated in emergency laparotomy (EL). The aim of the study was to identify whether use of intraoperative LPV in EL in peritonitis patients reduces postoperative pulmonary complications (POPC). Methods: After institutional ethics committee approval and informed written consent, 98 adult patients undergoing EL for peritonitis were randomised into two groups. Patients in group 1 received LPV (tidal volume 6–8 ml/kg, positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) 6–8 cm H 2 O and recruitment manoeuvre every 30 min) and patients in group 2 received conventional ventilation (tidal volume 10-12 ml/kg, without PEEP/recruitment). Primary outcome was incidence of POPC on day 7. Results: Data of 94 patients (n = 45 in group 1 & n = 49 in group 2) were available. Baseline demographic & laboratory parameters were comparable. Incidence of POPC was similar in both the groups [42.9% in group 1 vs. 53.3% in group 2; risk difference -10.4% (-30.6%, 9.6%); P = 0.31]. Mortality during hospital stay was 26.7% patients in group 1 and 26.5% patients in group 2 [risk difference (95% CI) 0.14%, (-17.7, 18.0); P = 0.98]. Length of hospital stay [median interquartile range (IQR) 13 (9–18) days in group 1 vs. 13 (8–21) days in group 2; P = 0.82] and length of intensive care unit stay [median (IQR) 7 (4–10) days vs. 6 (3–12) days; P = 0.88] were also similar in both groups. Conclusion: LPV during EL in peritonitis patients does not reduce the incidence of POPC compared to conventional ventilation.