Peritonitis

Peritonitis is inflammation of peritoneum, primary (spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in ascites) or secondary (perforation/appendicitis/diverticulitis), presenting with abdominal pain, guarding, fever, and sepsis. Treatment: NPO; IV fluids/electrolytes; broad-spectrum antibiotics; secondary: urgent surgical exploration/source control/drainage; primary (SBP): antibiotics + albumin; ICU monitoring; treat underlying cause (cirrhosis/nephrotic); follow-up to detect abscess/recurrence.

Common Symptoms

Abdominal pain; guarding; fever; sepsis; primary/secondary

Causes and Pathogenesis

Bacterial/chemical contamination causes peritoneal inflammation.

Treatment

NPO/IV fluids/antibiotics; surgery for secondary; antibiotics for primary SBP

Preventive Measures

Treat cirrhosis/ascites; early source control; careful surgery.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Gastrointestinal-surgery/Gastroenterology/Emergency/Critical-care department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.