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Peritonitis
Medical Questions » Peritonitis
| Name: Peritonitis |
| Also known as: |
| Within the belly (abdomen) is a large membranous sack called the peritoneum which contains the intestine and other organs. Peritonitis occurs if this sack becomes inflamed or infected. |
Causes of Peritonitis
A wide range of diseases of any organ within the abdomen may cause peritonitis. Examples include gut infections such as appendicitis or diverticulitis, a hole in the gut from an ulcer that allows the gut contents to escape into the abdominal cavity, liver infections such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, bleeding within the abdomen from injury, a ruptured ovarian cyst, cancer of any organ in the abdomen, mesenteric adenitis, or it may be a rare side effect of some drugs and poisons. |
Symptoms of Peritonitis
Patients have severe abdominal pain, nausea, fever and sometimes diarrhoea. They may become shocked and collapse. |
Tests for Peritonitis
It is essential that the cause of the peritonitis be determined by further investigations before treatment is started. Investigations may include blood tests, X-rays, placing a needle into the abdomen to sample any fluid that may be present, vaginal and rectal examinations, or an operation to explore the abdomen. |
Treatment for Peritonitis
Appropriate antibiotics by injection.
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Complications of Peritonitis of its treatment
May cause temporary paralysis of the gut, abscess formation in the abdomen, liver damage and adhesion. |
Likely Outcome of Peritonitis
With good treatment, recovery is normal, but without adequate medical care, death can occur. |
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