What is the definition of Secondary Peritonitis?

The peritoneum is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs. Peritonitis is present when this tissue becomes inflamed or infected. Secondary peritonitis is when another condition is the cause.

What are the alternative names for Secondary Peritonitis?

Secondary peritonitis

What are the causes for Secondary Peritonitis?

Secondary peritonitis has several major causes.

• Bacteria may enter the peritoneum through a hole (perforation) in an of the organ 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 sudden swelling and inflammation of the pancreas.
• 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. This problem nearly always develops in an infant who is ill or born early.

What are the symptoms for Secondary Peritonitis?

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.

What are the current treatments for Secondary Peritonitis?

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.

General treatment includes:

• Antibiotics
• Fluids through a vein (IV)
• Pain medicines
• Tube through the nose into the stomach or intestine (nasogastric or NG tube)

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Secondary Peritonitis?

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

What are the possible complications for Secondary Peritonitis?

Complications may include:

• Abscess
• Gangrene (dead) bowel requiring surgery
• Intraperitoneal adhesions (a potential cause of future bowel blockage)
• Septic shock

When should I contact a medical professional for Secondary Peritonitis?

Call your provider if you have symptoms of peritonitis. This is a serious condition. It needs emergency treatment in most cases.

REFERENCES

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.

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. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 43.