Peritonitis is an acute peritoneum inflammation, which is a thin membrane covering the surface of the abdominal wall and the organs located in the abdominal cavity. A slit-like hole is formed between the peritoneum sheets, containing a small amount of fluid, which facilitates the sliding movements of the abdomen’s internal organs relative to each other.
Symptoms of Peritonitis
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Low urine output
- Thirst
- Inability to pass stool
- Fatigue
- Confusion
Causes of Peritonitis
Peritonitis occurs due to infection that can develop from the foci of inflammation in the abdominal cavity. The most common cause of peritonitis is appendicitis, less often are acute cholecystitis, perforation of the stomach, and duodenal ulcers, intense pancreatitis, entering abdomen wounds. Thus, peritonitis is mainly a complication of the abdominal organs’ inflammatory diseases and has three stages of its development:
- Compensation stage. The body struggles with the problem at the limit of its capabilities, but there is no significant disruption in the work of internal organs. This stage lasts from several hours to 1 day.
- Subcompensation stage. There is a failure of many organs and systems. In this case, treatment is required in the conditions of the intensive care unit.
- Decompensation stage. The organ dysfunctions are arising in the body in most cases (60-100%).
Treatment
The volume and tactics of treatment depend on the severity of peritonitis course and its cause. In the vast majority of cases, treatment should only be surgical. Whether it can be performed laparoscopically through small incisions or traditional surgery is necessary is decided after the diagnosis is made. In surgical treatment, doctors begin with the disinfection of the principal infectious focus and the abdominal cavity. Then the abdominal cavity is drained, form pathways for the outflow of inflammatory exudate using silicone rubber drainages. The drainage can remain at the site of inflammation for up to 2 weeks.