Learn About Secondary Peritonitis
The peritoneum is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen. Peritonitis is present when this tissue becomes inflamed or infected. Secondary peritonitis is when another condition is the cause.
Secondary peritonitis
Secondary peritonitis has several major causes.
- Bacteria may enter the peritoneum through a hole (perforation) in an organ of the digestive tract. The hole may be caused by a ruptured appendix, stomach ulcer, or perforated colon. It may also come from an injury, such as a gunshot or knife wound or following the ingestion of a sharp foreign body.
- Bile or chemicals released by the pancreas may leak into the abdominal cavity. This may be caused by swelling and inflammation of the pancreas called pancreatitis.
- Tubes or catheters placed into the abdomen may cause this problem. These include catheters for peritoneal dialysis, feeding tubes, and others.
An infection of the bloodstream (sepsis) may lead to an infection in the abdomen also. This is a severe illness.
This tissue may become infected when there is no clear cause.
Necrotizing enterocolitis occurs when the lining of the intestinal wall dies and can lead to peritonitis. This problem nearly always develops in an infant who is ill or born early.
Symptoms include:
- Swollen abdomen when your belly area is bigger than usual
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Fever
- Low urine output
- Nausea
- Thirst
- Vomiting
Note: There may be signs of shock.
Often, surgery is needed to remove or treat sources of infection. These may be an infected bowel, an inflamed appendix, or an abscess or perforated diverticulum, usually due to diverticulitis.
General treatment includes:
- Antibiotics
- Fluids through a vein (IV)
- Pain medicines
- Tube through the nose into the stomach or intestine (nasogastric or NG tube)
Beth Piraino is a Nephrologist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Piraino is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Secondary Peritonitis. Her top areas of expertise are Secondary Peritonitis, Chronic Kidney Disease, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), and Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome.
Advocate Medical Group General Surgery
Marin Marinov is a General Surgeon in Park Ridge, Illinois. Dr. Marinov is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Secondary Peritonitis. His top areas of expertise are Delirium, Gallbladder Disease, Gallstones, Hernia Surgery, and Colostomy.
Texas Health Surgical Specialists
Dr. Winston Chan is a double board-certified General Surgeon and Colon and Rectal Surgeon with additional certification and training in the use of the Da Vinci Xi robotic system for minimally invasive surgeries. He is an accomplished surgeon with extensive experience in both university-based teaching and clinical robotics proctoring.Dr. Chan earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and his colon and rectal surgery fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Chan's passion lies in using the latest advanced medical technology, such as robotics and laparoscopy, in combination with his own surgical dexterity to treat complex diseases through small incisions to promote patient comfort and outcomes. His surgical expertise includes treatment of gallbladder disease, hernias, colorectal cancer, diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease, anorectal disease, reflux disorders, and soft tissue conditions. Outside of work, he enjoys snowboarding, scuba diving, traveling and spending time with family.Dr. Chan is a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and Tarrant County Medical Society. He speaks English and Mandarin. Dr. Chan is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Secondary Peritonitis. His top areas of expertise are Ogilvie Syndrome, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Gallbladder Disease, Bladder Reconstruction, and Endoscopy.
The outcome can range from complete recovery to overwhelming infection and death. Factors that determine the outcome include:
- How long the symptoms were present before treatment began
- The person's general health
Complications may include:
- Abscess
- Gangrene (dead) bowel requiring surgery
- Intraperitoneal adhesions (a potential cause of future bowel blockage)
- Septic shock
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of peritonitis. This is a serious condition. It needs emergency treatment in most cases.
Summary: Among critically ill patients, many die, and many of the survivors and their family members struggle for years with reduced quality of life. Critically ill patients are treated in intensive care units (ICUs). Here, they receive life support, e.g., mechanical ventilation and advanced support of the circulation (heart and blood vessels) and kidneys. In addition, ICU patients receive many other treat...
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the prognostic significance of CLI in predicting 28-day mortality and other outcomes in critically ill patients who develop post-operative abdominal sepsis.
Published Date: June 11, 2024
Published By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Aria - Jefferson Health Torresdale, Jefferson Digestive Diseases Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Mathews JB, Turaga K. Surgical peritonitis and other diseases of the peritoneum, mesentery, omentum, and diaphragm. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 39.
Privratsky AM, Barreto JC, Turnage RH, Mizell J, Badgwell B. Abdominal wall, umbilicus, peritoneum, mesenteries, omentum, and retroperitoneum. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 44.