Peritonitis Case Studies

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Peritonitis

Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum. The peritoneum is the tissue that lines the abdomen and covers the internal organs.
CAUSES

Conditions or injuries cause organs to leak stool, bacteria, fungi or chemicals (such as bile or other digestive juices) into the abdomen. When these substances come into contact with the peritoneum, they may cause irritation or infection.

Many conditions can cause peritonitis, including:

Pancreatitis.

Diverticulitis.

Appendicitis.

Ulcers.

Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Other infections inside the abdomen or pelvis.

Abdominal injury.

Injury to the stomach or esophagus (food pipe).

Cancer.

Liver disease.

Peritoneal dialysis
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The abdomen may be tender or hard and board-like. Testing may include:

Blood tests.

Urinalysis

Stool analysis (if there is associated diarrhea).

Paracentesis: a procedure where a very thin needle may be used to take a sample of fluid from within the abdomen. This fluid can be examined for signs of infection.

X-ray.

Ultrasound.

CT scans.

TREATMENT

This must be treated quickly, to avoid a severe, life-threatening infection that involves the whole body (sepsis). This must be done in the hospital.

Treatment for peritonitis may include:

Antibiotics.

Surgery to remove infected fluid and tissue.

Surgery to treat conditions that cause peritonitis (such as an appendectomy for appendicitis).

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Even after successful treatment in the hospital, treatment and recovery will continue at home. It is important to:

Take medicines (such as antibiotics) exactly as prescribed by your caregiver.

If you were taking prescription medicines for other problems before you developed peritonitis, ask about when you should re-start these medicines.

Only take over-the-counter or prescription medicines for pain, discomfort or fever as directed by your