Peritonitis is the inflammation of the peritoneum, which is an inner membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and intra-abdominal organs. The condition is a form of inflammatory reaction to any factor that contributes to irritation of the peritoneal membrane. Therefore, the causes that can lead to this condition are various. Peritonitis can cause serious complications, often being life-threatening if left untreated.
Peritonitis: Causes & classification of the condition
Depending on the cause that causes it, peritonitis can be classified into two main types, spontaneous bacterial and secondary. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is usually a complication of liver or kidney failure, resulting in fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, a condition also known as ascites. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is the development of infection of the ascitic fluid in the peritoneum, without any clear source of infection.
Secondary peritonitis, on the other hand, has a clear source. It is usually the result of a ruptured organ in the abdomen, which can allow bacteria to enter the peritoneal cavity. Secondary peritonitis most often occurs as a complication of gastrointestinal disorders, such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, perforation of a stomach or duodenal ulcer, acute bowel obstruction (ileus), or perforation of the bowel. Conditions such as acute cholecystitis and acute diverticulitis can also cause peritonitis. Gynecological diseases and conditions such as rupture or torsion of the ovary, acute salpingitis or ectopic pregnancy can in some cases lead to the manifestation of inflammation of the peritoneum. Finally, secondary peritonitis can also occur as a complication of certain medical interventions such as gastrointestinal surgery, the use of feeding tubes or peritoneal dialysis.
Peritonitis and complications: How threatening it is to health
A possible complication of peritonitis is sepsis, which results from the spread of infection throughout the body. If the condition is not treated immediately, the infection can enter the bloodstream causing an extreme response in the body called septic shock, and can cause severe organ damage and organ failure. If not treated promptly, sepsis can be fatal. If the liver can no longer remove toxic substances from the blood, hepatic encephalopathy can occur. This condition is manifested by loss of brain function as a result of peritonitis. Peritonitis can also lead to progressive renal failure, which is why it is an emergency that must be treated immediately, with the patient going to the hospital, without any delay.
Symptoms of peritonitis
Symptoms of peritonitis can vary depending on the underlying cause. The most common signs of the condition include severe abdominal pain, which is initially located in the area of the affected organ such as the appendix, and gradually spreads throughout the abdomen. The pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, fever, fatigue, tachycardia, sweating and possibly hypotension. If the patient has undergone peritoneal dialysis, cloudy dialysis fluid may also be a sign of peritonitis.
Peritonitis and treatment to prevent serious complications
Peritonitis can cause serious and life-threatening complications for the patient, which is why it needs immediate hospitalization and urgent surgical treatment. After the patient is admitted to the hospital, antibiotic treatment is given immediately and immediately after surgery is performed. The operation aims at the complete cleansing of the peritoneal cavity and all organs from toxic fluids and the subsequent restoration of the affected organ. Peritonitis may also require additional supportive care for the patient, such as intravenous antibiotics and fluids, plasma or blood administration, or ventilatory support, if necessary. General Surgeons in Athens have long experience in dealing with peritonitis in order to prevent life-threatening complications.
