Peritonitis

Alternative names

Acute abdomen

Definition

Peritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the wall of the abdomen and covers the abdominal organs.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Types of peritonitis include:

• Peritonitis - spontaneous
  
• Peritonitis - secondary
  
• Peritonitis - Dialysis associated
  

Intra-abdominal abscess (abdominal abscess) involves a collection of pus in the abdomen, which may cause peritonitis. Before peritonitis develops, the abscess may still cause symptoms similar or identical to peritonitis.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain or tenderness
  
• Abdominal distention
  
• Fever
  
• Low urine output
  
• nausea and Vomiting
  
• Point tenderness
  
• Thirst
  
• Fluid in the abdomen
  
• Inability to pass feces or gas
  

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease include:

• Cloudy Dialysis fluid (if undergoing Peritoneal dialysis)
  
• nausea and Vomiting
  
• Shaking chills
  
• Signs of shock
  

Signs and tests

Examination of the abdomen typically shows tenderness. The abdomen may feel firm and "board-like" and there may be extensive "guarding" (protective movements such as curling up or refusal to allow the abdomen to be touched).

Blood tests and X-rays or CT scans may be ordered.

Treatment

The cause must be identified and treated promptly.

Treatment typically involves surgery and antibiotics. In cases associated with Peritoneal dialysis, antibiotics may be infused through the catheter, but if the infection is severe, the catheter itself must often be removed.