What is Peritonitis (Intra-Abdominal Infection)?

Peritonitis is a medical term that refers to inflammation of the abdominal cavity. Inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen, usually occurs as a result of the spread of bacteria into the abdominal cavity. This condition requires immediate medical attention and can lead to serious health problems. Peritonitis may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, swelling, fever, nausea and vomiting.

It is usually treated with surgery, antibiotic therapy and supportive measures. Peritonitis is also associated with inflammatory fluid leaking from the abdominal organs filling the abdominal cavity.

What are the symptoms of peritonitis?

Peritonitis is a condition that occurs with inflammation of the abdominal cavity and manifests itself with various symptoms. These symptoms may include:

• severe abdominal pain,
• Tenderness and swelling in the abdomen,
• High fever,
• rapid pulse,
• Nausea and vomiting,
• Diarrhea or constipation,
• Loss of appetite,
• General weakness and fatigue.

These symptoms may indicate a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If peritonitis is suspected, a healthcare professional should be contacted immediately.

What Causes Peritonitis?

Peritonitis is a condition that usually occurs as a result of bacteria in the abdomen spreading into the abdominal cavity. This infection can often be caused by:

Perforated Organs: When one of the organs in the abdomen is punctured, its contents can leak into the abdominal cavity and lead to infection. For example, a ruptured appendix or a ruptured stomach ulcer.

Abdominal Surgeries: The risk of infection may increase, especially after previous abdominal surgery.

Intra-Abdominal Diseases: Some intra-abdominal diseases, such as pancreatitis or diverticulitis, can trigger peritonitis.

Peritoneal Dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis method applied to people with chronic kidney failure may increase the risk of infection.

Intrawound Drug Injections: In some cases, drugs injected into the abdomen can cause infection.

How is Peritonitis Diagnosed?

To diagnose peritonitis, doctors use methods such as physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests, paracentesis and laparoscopy. During the physical examination, tenderness and swelling in the abdominal area are evaluated. Blood tests are used to evaluate signs of infection and inflammation levels.

Imaging tests can help show abnormalities and inflammation inside the abdomen. Paracentesis is used to evaluate for signs of inflammation through a sample taken from the abdominal cavity. Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure used to better see the details inside the abdomen.

A combination of these methods helps confirm the diagnosis of peritonitis, and a rapid diagnosis allows appropriate treatment to be started immediately. In cases of suspicion, it is important to contact a healthcare professional immediately.

How to Treat Peritonitis?

Treatment of peritonitis usually requires emergency surgery. Treatment methods include:

Surgical Intervention: Peritonitis usually requires emergency abdominal surgery aimed at clearing the source of infection within the abdomen. During this operation, inflamed or infected organs and materials are removed.

Antibiotic Treatment: After surgical intervention, the patient is given broad-spectrum antibiotics. This helps control the infection and prevent it from spreading.

Fluid and Electrolyte Balancing: Peritonitis often causes fluid loss in the body, so the patient’s fluid and electrolyte balance is closely monitored. Intravenous fluid supplements are given if necessary.

Pain Management: Pain management is applied to control the pain that occurs after surgery.

Observation in the Hospital: Patients are closely observed in the hospital after the surgical intervention and their general health conditions are monitored.