Sandbox: Peritonitis landing page

Peritonitis Main Page
Patient Information
Overview
Causes
Classification Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Secondary Peritonitis
Differential Diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:  ; Shivani Chaparala M.B.B.S [2]

Synonyms and keywords: Acute bacterial peritonitis, acute generalized peritonitis, acute peritonitis, abscess of suppurative peritonitis, acute suppurative peritonitis, purulent peritonitis, subphrenic peritonitis, pelvic peritonitis, acute serositis, aseptic peritonitis, chronic peritonitis, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis associated peritonitis, fungal peritonitis, granulomatous peritonitis, peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis, serositis, chemical peritonitis, neonatal peritonitis, tuberculous peritonitis, peritoneal abscess, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, benign paroxysmal peritonitis, pyogranulomatous serositis, perforation peritonitis, CAPD peritonitis, primary peritonitis, secondary peritonitis, tertiary peritonitis.

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Overview

Peritonitis defined as inflammation of peritoneum (a serosal membrane lining the abdominal cavity and abdominal viscera) is associated with a higher mortality rate secondary to bacteremia and sepsis syndrome. Most common cause of peritonitis in approximately 80% adults is perforation of the gastrointestinal or biliary tract. Other less common causes include liver cirrhosis (result of alcoholism), and peritoneal dialysis associated peritonitis. Peritonitis can also result from injury and contamination with microorganisms, chemicals or both. It may be localized or generalized, and can have an acute course in infection secondary to rupture of a hollow viscus or follows a chronic course as seen in tuberculous peritonitis. Patients present with severe abdominal pain associated with fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. Peritonitis is a emergency medical/surgical condition requiring prompt medical attention and treatment.

Definition

Peritonitis is defined as inflammation of the peritoneum (a tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdominal cavity and covers most of the abdominal organs) from any cause. In contrast to peritonitis intrabdominal infection is defined as inflammation of peritoneum due to an infectious cause.