Peritonitis - secondary

Definition

The peritoneum is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen. Peritonitis is present when this tissue becomes inflamed or infected. Secondary peritonitis is when another condition is the cause.

Alternative Names

Secondary peritonitis

Causes

Secondary peritonitis has several major causes.

An infection of the bloodstream (sepsis) may lead to an infection in the abdomen also. This is a severe illness.

This tissue may become infected when there is no clear cause.

Necrotizing enterocolitis occurs when the lining of the intestinal wall dies and can lead to peritonitis. This problem nearly always develops in an infant who is ill or born early.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Note: There may be signs of shock.

Exams and Tests

During a physical exam, the health care provider may notice abnormal vital signs with fever, rapid heart rate and breathing, low blood pressure, and a tender distended abdomen.

Tests may include:

Treatment

Often, surgery is needed to remove or treat sources of infection. These may be an infected bowel, an inflamed appendix, or an abscess or perforated diverticulum, usually due to diverticulitis.

General treatment includes:

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome can range from complete recovery to overwhelming infection and death. Factors that determine the outcome include:

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have symptoms of peritonitis. This is a serious condition. It needs emergency treatment in most cases.

References

Mathews JB, Turaga K. Surgical peritonitis and other diseases of the peritoneum, mesentery, omentum, and diaphragm. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 39.

Privratsky AM, Barreto JC, Turnage RH, Mizell J, Badgwell B. Abdominal wall, umbilicus, peritoneum, mesenteries, omentum, and retroperitoneum. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 44.



Review Date: 5/4/2022
Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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