Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Peritonitis - secondary

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Secondary peritonitis


Treatment

Surgery is usually necessary to remove sources of infection such as an infected bowel, inflamed appendix, or abscess.

General treatment includes:

  • Antibiotics
  • Fluids through a vein (IV)
  • Pain medicines
  • Tube through the nose into the stomach or intestine (nasogastric or NG tube)

Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome depends on the underlying cause, the duration of symptoms before treatment, and the general health of the patient. Outcomes can range from complete recovery to overwhelming infection and death, depending on these factors.


Complications
  • Abscess
  • Gangrene (dead) bowel
  • Intraperitoneal adhesions ( (a potential cause of future bowel blockage)
  • Septic shock

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of peritonitis. This is a serious condition that typically requires emergency medical treatment.


Review Date: 06/28/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)