$Unique_ID{BRK01580}
$Pretitle{Digestive System, Infections or Parasites}
$Title{What Causes "Peritonitis" and How Should it be Treated?}
$Subject{peritonitis surgery infection}
$Volume{I-12, A-12}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Causes "Peritonitis" and How Should it be Treated?


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QUESTION:  I am having trouble finding material to read about a surgical
condition called "peritonitis".  I know it is a serious situation but wish to
know what causes it and how it should be treated?

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ANSWER:  First, a definition or two.  Peritonitis is an inflammation of the
tissues which line the abdominal cavity, and which cover most of the organs,
like the intestines, which are located there.  Although the inflammation can
be caused by chemical irritation or by traumatic irritation, the most common
cause is in infection, caused by either E. coli, or streptococcus faecalis,
although other infections can and do occur.  It may develop in a number of
ways.  It can result as a complication of an operation, when bacteria escape
from inside the intestine, where two ends of the intestine have been sewn back
together after the removal of a section containing cancer, for example.  If
any organ of the abdomen or pelvic cavity becomes infected forming an abscess,
the rupture of the abscess may spread the infecting bacteria over the
peritoneal tissue causing an acute peritonitis.  This occurs frequently in PID
(pelvic inflammatory disease).  Another, more obvious case, may be that of a
penetrating wound of the abdomen, such as in a stabbing, or automobile
accident.  The treatment requires the elimination of all infecting organisms,
which may sometimes necessitate surgery to remove the source of the infection.
Removing a ruptured appendix is a good example.  The mainstay of all
treatment, however, is the effective use of antibiotics, usually given
intravenously in high dosages, to assure the complete eradication of the
bacteria.  It may require more than one type of antibiotic, and the choice
will depend upon the type of bacteria that is the culprit, for peritonitis is
a serious condition, which requires intensive treatment.  Fortunately, there
are many potent antibiotics available which means that the chances for the
patient are excellent.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
