peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, typically due to infection or chemical irritation.
Full Definition
Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering abdominal organs. It can be classified as primary (spontaneous bacterial peritonitis) or secondary (due to perforation, contamination, or surgical complications). In acute care surgery, secondary peritonitis is more common and often results from bowel perforation, anastomotic leak, or intra-abdominal abscess. The condition presents with severe abdominal pain, tenderness, and systemic signs of infection. Peritonitis requires urgent surgical intervention for source control, along with aggressive antimicrobial therapy and supportive care. The severity ranges from localized inflammation to life-threatening septic shock.
Usage
Usage note: Classify as primary or secondary; specify causative organism when known.
In Context
- "The patient presented with signs of generalized peritonitis requiring immediate surgical intervention." — Emergency surgery consultation
- "Cultures confirmed gram-negative peritonitis secondary to colonic perforation." — Microbiology report