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Peritonitis
Peritonitis
Peritonitis
Academic number:208040270
Introduction
What is Peritonitis?
Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum due to a bacterial or fungal infection. The most common symptom of peritonitis is severe abdominal pain. Types of peritonitis There are two main types of peritonitis:
primary spontaneous peritonitis, where an infection develops in the peritoneum, and secondary peritonitis, where an infection or injury in another part of the body leads to bacteria or fungi infecting the peritoneum.
Causes :
Primary peritonitis
Infection of the peritoneum can happen for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common causes of peritonitis:
Peritoneal dialysis: . Dialysis removes waste products and extra fluid from your blood when your
kidneys can no longer adequately do so. With peritoneal dialysis, the network of tiny blood vessels in your abdomen (peritoneal cavity) is used to filter your blood. Peritonitis is the most common complication associated with peritoneal dialysis. An infection may occur during peritoneal dialysis due to unclean surroundings, poor hygiene or contaminated equipment.
Fluid buildup: . Diseases that cause liver damage, such as cirrhosis, can result in a large
amount of fluid buildup in your abdominal cavity (ascites). That fluid buildup is susceptible to bacterial infection. This type of peritonitis is called spontaneous peritonitis.
Secondary peritonitis
When other medical conditions result in an infection that causes peritonitis, it's referred to as secondary peritonitis. These causes include:
Diverticulitis
Trauma
Risk Factors
The following factors may increase the risk for primary peritonitis:
i. ii. iii. iv. Liver disease (cirrhosis) Fluid in the abdomen Weakened immune system Pelvic inflammatory disease
Complications
Left untreated, peritonitis can extend beyond your peritoneum, where it may cause:
A bloodstream infection (bacteremia). An infection throughout your body (sepsis). Sepsis is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition that can cause shock and organ failure.
Treatment options
Treatment options for peritonitis depend on the cause, but may include: Hospitalisation often in an intensive care unit. Antibiotics tailored to the specific bacteria to kill the infection. Intravenous fluids to rehydrate the body and replace lost electrolytes. Surgery to repair the ruptured organ and wash out the abdominal cavity of blood and pus.
Prevention
Often, peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis is caused by germs around the catheter. If you're receiving peritoneal dialysis, take the following steps to prevent peritonitis: i. Wash your hands, including underneath your fingernails and between your fingers, before touching the catheter Clean the skin around the catheter with antiseptic every day
ii.
iii. Store your supplies in a sanitary area If you've had spontaneous peritonitis before, or if you have peritoneal fluid buildup due to a medical condition such as cirrhosis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent peritonitis.
Things to remember
Peritonitis is the inflammation of abdominal membranes, most commonly due to bacterial infection. Peritonitis is life threatening if not treated promptly. Treatment options include hospitalisation, antibiotics and surgery.
Summary
Peritonitis is inflammation of the membranes of the abdominal wall and organs. Peritonitis may be caused by the rupture of infected organs such as the appendix or bowel. Symptoms include strong abdominal (stomach) pain. Peritonitis is life threatening if not treated promptly.
References:
Websites
References:
Books
An Aid to Clinical Surgery: Robin C. N. Williamson MA MD MChir FRCS, Bruce P. Waxman BMedSc MBBS FRACS FRCS(Eng) FACS.
Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery [23rd Edition] Hamilton Bailey(Author), R.J.McNeill Love(Author), R.C.G. Russell (Editor), etc. (Editor), N.S. Williams (Editor), C.J.K. Bulstrode (Editor) Lecture Notes: General Surgery Harold Ellis (Author), Roy Calne (Author), Christopher Watson (Author)