MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Peritonitis

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Peritonitis - secondary

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms	Signs and tests Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Illustrations

Peritoneal sample

Alternative names Return to top

Secondary peritonitis

Definition Return to top

Secondary peritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity) caused by another condition, most commonly the spread of an infection from the digestive organs or bowels.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Secondary peritonitis has several major causes. Bacteria may enter the peritoneum via a hole (perforation) in the gastrointestinal tract, which can be caused by a ruptured appendix, stomach ulcer or perforated colon. The condition can also occur when pancreatic enzymes leak into the peritoneum during pancreatitis or when bile leaks from the biliary tract due to injury, because these chemicals can irritate the peritoneum.

Foreign contaminants can also cause secondary peritonitis if they get into the peritoneal cavity. This can occur during use of peritoneal dialysis catheters.

Inflammation of the peritoneal cavity caused by bacteria can result in infection of the bloodstream (sepsis) and severe illness.

Secondary peritonitis can also affect premature babies who have necrotizing enterocolitis.

Symptoms Return to top

Note: There may be signs of shock.

Signs and tests Return to top

Vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) may show fever, rapid heart rate and breathing, and low blood pressure.

Tests your doctor may order:

Blood tests for white cell count (a marker of infection)
X-rays or CAT scan
Blood culture
Peritoneal fluid culture

Treatment Return to top

Surgical treatment is usually necessary to remove sources of infection such as infected bowel, inflamed appendix, or an abscess. General treatment includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and use of medications to treat pain.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The outcome depends on the underlying cause, the duration of symptoms before treatment, and the general health of the patient. Outcomes can range from complete recovery to overwhelming infection and death, depending on these factors.

Complications Return to top

Septic shock
Abscess
Intraperitoneal adhesions

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of peritonitis. This is a serious condition that typically requires emergency medical treatment.

Update Date: 4/13/2004

Updated by: John A. Daller, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.