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Peritonitis
Pronounced: peh-rit-oh-NYE-tis
by Michelle Badash, MS
En Español (Spanish Version)
Definition
Peritonitis is an inflammation or infection of the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a thin tissue lining that covers the
inside of the abdominal cavity. It also covers the outside of the intestines and other abdominal organs.
There are several types:
Primary
Secondary
Peritoneal dialysis related
Peritonitis is a serious condition. It requires immediate treatment. If not promptly treated, it can be fatal.
Causes
Primary peritonitis—occurs when there is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. This is called ascites. It is
caused by chronic liver disease, among other conditions.
Secondary peritonitis—caused by bacteria that enter the abdominal cavity. Can be due to an injury or a
condition, such as a ruptured appendix.
Dialysis-related peritonitis—caused by bacteria that enter the peritoneal cavity during or after peritoneal
dialysis (a treatment for kidney disease).
Secondary Peritonitis
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© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for peritonitis
include:
Abdominal penetration or trauma
Immune compromise
Blood in the abdomen
Ruptured appendix
Peptic ulcer
Colitis
Diverticulitis
Gangrene of the bowel
Pancreatitis
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Inflamed gallbladder
Recent surgery
Tubes or shunts in the abdomen
Cortisone drugs
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
Severe pain or tenderness in the abdomen
Pain in the abdomen that is worse with motion
Bloating of the abdomen
Constipation
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Weakness or dizziness
Shortness of breath
Rapid pulse or breathing rate
Dehydration —signs include dry skin and lips, decreased urine production
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
Blood tests
Analysis of fluids from the peritoneum
Abdominal x-rays —to look for signs of inflammation
Laparotomy —surgery to open and examine the abdomen
Treatment
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Treatment depends on the cause. It may include:
Surgery to repair openings in the skin surface or to remove damaged tissue
Antibiotics to treat infection
Replacement of fluids
If you are diagnosed with peritonitis, follow your doctor's instructions.
Prevention
There are no guidelines for preventing peritonitis.
RESOURCES:
American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org/
The American College of Gastroenterology
http://www.acg.gi.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
http://www.cag-acg.org/default.aspx/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php
REFERENCES:
Feldman M, et al.Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 2005.
Olendorf D, Jeryan C, Boyden K. Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine . Detroit, MI: Gale Group Research Company;
2000.
Peritonitis. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/peritonitis/ds00990 . Updated
July 2009. Accessed July 24, 2009.
Townsend CM, et al. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 17th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2004.
Yamada T, Alpers DH, et al. Textbook of Gastroenterology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins; 2003.
Last reviewed September 2011 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 9/1/2011
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Copyright © 2011 EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.