Learn About Peritonitis

What is the definition of Peritonitis?

Peritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum. This is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs.

What are the alternative names for Peritonitis?

Acute abdomen; Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; SBP; Cirrhosis - spontaneous peritonitis

What are the causes of Peritonitis?

Peritonitis is caused by a collection of blood, body fluids, or pus in the belly (abdomen).

One type is called spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). It occurs in people with ascites. Ascites is the buildup of fluid in the space between the lining of the abdomen and the organs. This problem is found in people with long-term liver damage, certain cancers, and heart failure.

Peritonitis may be a result of other problems. This is known as secondary peritonitis. Problems that may lead to this type of peritonitis include:

  • Trauma or wounds to the belly
  • Ruptured appendix
  • Ruptured diverticula
  • Infection after any surgery in the belly
What are the symptoms of Peritonitis?

Your belly is very painful or tender. The pain may become worse when your belly is touched or when you move.

Your belly may look or feel bloated. This is called abdominal distention.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Passing little or no stools or gas
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Passing less urine
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
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What are the current treatments for Peritonitis?

The cause must be identified and treated right away. Treatment typically involves surgery, antibiotics, or both.

Who are the top Peritonitis Local Doctors?
Colorectal Surgery | General Surgery
Colorectal Surgery | General Surgery

General Physician PC

888 Ctr Rd, 
West Seneca, NY 
 0.3 mi

Steven Barone is a Colorectal Surgeon and a General Surgeon in West Seneca, New York. Dr. Barone and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peritonitis. His top areas of expertise are Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Umbilical Hernia, Ogilvie Syndrome, Hernia Surgery, and Colostomy.

General Surgery
General Surgery

Surgical Associates Of Western Ny PC

550 Orchard Park Rd, Suite A103, 
West Seneca, NY 
 1.3 mi

Kenneth Eckhert is a General Surgeon in West Seneca, New York. Dr. Eckhert and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peritonitis. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gallbladder Disease, Hiatal Hernia, Hernia Surgery, and Gastrostomy.

 
 
 
 
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General Surgery | Vascular Surgery
General Surgery | Vascular Surgery

Surgical Associates Of Western Ny PC

550 Orchard Park Rd, Suite A103, 
West Seneca, NY 
 1.3 mi
Offers Telehealth

Rurik Johnson is a General Surgeon and a Vascular Surgeon in West Seneca, New York. Dr. Johnson and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Peritonitis. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gallbladder Disease, Omphalocele, Hernia Surgery, and Gastrostomy.

What are the possible complications of Peritonitis?

Peritonitis can be life threatening and may cause complications. These depend on the type of peritonitis.

When should I contact a medical professional for Peritonitis?

Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if you have symptoms of peritonitis.

What are the latest Peritonitis Clinical Trials?
Delayed Primary Closure Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

Summary: Surgical site infection rates for contaminated or dirty laparotomy wounds can be as high as 45%. Surgical management of dirty and contaminated wounds has been controversial in the literature and between surgeons. Primary closure (PC) of these wounds can lead to multiple complications including surgical site infection (SSI), necrotizing soft tissue infection, wound and fascial dehiscence, eviscerat...

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Prospective, Randomized Trial of Personalized Medicine with Pentaglobin® After Surgical Infectious Source Control in Patients with Peritonitis

Summary: The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled trial is to provide evidence for adjuvant IgGAM treatment with regard to 1. Improvement of patient outcomes for peritonitis. Improvement in outcome will be determined by scores such as MOF, SOFA and survival. 2. Identification of biomarkers (including immunoglobulin levels, HLA-DR, Nf-kB1 and other immunological biomarkers) to identify patient su...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: March 31, 2024
Published By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Bush LM, Levison ME. Peritonitis and intraperitoneal abscesses. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 74.

Kuemmerle JF. Inflammatory and anatomic diseases of the intestine, peritoneum, mesentery, and omentum. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 128.