Peritonitis: Difference between revisions

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 ==Diagnosis and investigations==
-A [[diagnosis]] of peritonitis is based primarily on clinical grounds, that is on the clinical manifestations described above; if they support a strong suspicion of peritonitis, no further investigation should delay [[surgery]]. [[Leukocytosis]] and [[acidosis]] may be present, but they are not specific findings.   Plain abdominal X-rays may reveal dilated, oedematous intestines, although it is mainly useful to look for [[pneumoperitoneum]] (free air in the peritoneal cavity), which may also be visible on [[chest X-rays]]. If reasonable doubt still persists, an exploratory peritoneal lavage may be performed (e.g. in cause of [[physical trauma|trauma]], in order to look for [[white blood cells]], [[red blood cells]], or [[bacteria]]).
 ==Causes==

Revision as of 16:04, 6 February 2012