Diffuse peritonitis

In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.

Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.

Diffuse peritonitis is the most important and, at the same time, the most dangerous complication of acute abdominal diseases. The ailment arises as a result of perforation or necrosis of the gastrointestinal tract and a bacterial infection. It may originate in gastric ulcer diseases or acute pancreatitis.

What is diffuse peritonitis?

Diffuse peritonitis is the most dangerous complication of acute abdominal diseases. It is an inflammation of the tissue in the abdominal cavity that affects most organs. The ailment is most often caused by a bacterial infection that occurs as a result of gastrointestinal necrosis or perforation.

The causes of diffuse peritonitis

Thus, diffuse peritonitis can begin with diseases such as:

  1. perforation of the inflamed appendix,
  2. perforation of a gastric or duodenal ulcer,
  3. acute cholecystitis,
  4. acute pancreatitis,
  5. sometimes after an abdominal injury, etc.

In addition, diffuse peritonitis can occur as a result of bile and chemicals released by the pancreas that enter the abdominal mucosa. In addition, this complication may occur due to contamination, such as when using a peritoneal dialysis catheter or the feeding tubes.

However, in nearly 40% of patients, peritonitis is the result of acute appendicitis. In women, the source of infection may be purulent inflammation of, for example, the ovaries or fallopian tubes.

Symptoms of diffuse peritonitis

Diffuse peritonitis is one of the greatest threats to life. Symptoms depend on the severity of the disease. The patient’s appearance and certain symptoms of peritonitis are quite characteristic. The sick man is pale, covered with cold sweat. Facial features tighten. Body temperature is usually elevated in the range of 38–39 ° C. Tongue wrapped, drying out, shallow breathing, superficial, dependent on abdominal pain and distension in the intestines. Heart rate becomes fast, faint. The patient often vomits with smelly and brown content. The abdomen is hard, painful. Tiring hiccups and abdominal distension appear. The patient feels pressure on his stools, but he cannot pass stool or gas.

Sepsis can occur from the bacteria that cause inflammation. In premature babies, peritonitis can cause necrotizing enterocolitis.

Diagnosis of diffuse peritonitis

In the diagnosis of diffuse peritonitis, the following are performed:

  1. a test for the presence of bacterial strains in the blood,
  2. determination of the level of pancreatic enzymes,
  3. chemical blood test,
  4. blood count,
  5. kidney and liver tests,
  6. RTG,
  7. general urine test,
  8. computed tomography,
  9. a test for bacteria in the peritoneal fluid.

Treatment of diffuse peritonitis

Diffuse peritonitis requires as soon as possible surgical intervention. With sufficiently early surgical intervention, it is now possible to save over 80% of patients. The duration of the disease is most often decisive for the outcome. Therefore, the patient who notices the above-mentioned symptoms should be immediately transported to the nearest hospital for the surgical ward. Although he is sometimes thirsty, he should not be given anything to drink as the fluids increase the exhausting vomiting.

Surgical treatment consists in opening the abdominal cavity, cleaning the peritoneal cavity of purulent content and removing the cause of the inflammation. Surgical treatment includes:

  1. aspiration of the intestinal contents,
  2. stabilization of the patient by controlling shock and oxygen therapy,
  3. parenteral nutrition,
  4. drainage.

However, general treatment is based on administering to the patient:

  1. antibiotics
  2. liquids
  3. food through a drip,
  4. painkillers.

The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.

Leave a Reply