Peritonitis

Peritonitis, inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and the organs contained therein. Peritonitis is most often an acute illness, caused by introduction of infection from a perforation of the bowel such as a ruptured appendix or diverticulum. The disease is also caused by introduction of chemically irritating material, such as stomach acid from a perforated ulcer or bile from a rupture of the gallbladder or liver. Localized peritonitis most often occurs in the pelvis from an infected fallopian tube or a ruptured ovarian cyst. Occasionally peritonitis may occur when the rupture of an abscess causes pus to spill into the abdominal cavity. This sometimes follows surgery inside the bowel with leaking from the site of closure, or from a stab wound through the abdominal wall. Occasionally peritonitis may occur from inflammation of the peritoneal membrane such as in kidney failure, rheumatic fever, and lupus erythematosus.

The principal symptom of peritonitis is severe abdominal pain much aggravated by any motion. The patient often has nausea and vomiting and usually is feverish. Untreated cases of acute peritonitis are often fatal. Treatment is directed at the underlying cause. In addition, intravenous fluids and antibiotics are given.