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Peritonitis - Secondary
Alternate Names : Secondary Peritonitis
DefinitionSecondary peritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity) caused by another condition, most commonly the spread of an infection from the digestive organs or bowels.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Secondary peritonitis has several major causes. Bacteria may enter the peritoneum via a hole (perforation) in the gastrointestinal tract, which can be caused by a ruptured appendix, stomach ulcer or perforated colon. The condition can also occur when pancreatic enzymes leak into the peritoneum during pancreatitis or when bile leaks from the biliary tract due to injury because these chemicals can irritate the peritoneum.
Foreign contaminants can also cause secondary peritonitis if they get into the peritoneal cavity. This can occur during use of peritoneal dialysis catheters
Inflammation of peritoneal cavity caused by bacteria can result in infection of the bloodstream (sepsis) and severe illness.
Secondary peritonitis can also affect premature babies who have necrotizing enterocolitis.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Secondary Peritonitis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Secondary Peritonitis Symptoms & Signs
• Secondary Peritonitis Diagnosis & Tests
• Secondary Peritonitis Treatment
• Secondary Peritonitis Prognosis
• Secondary Peritonitis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Abscess
• Adhesion
• Necrotizing Enterocolitis
• Peritonitis
• Septic Shock
Tests & Exams
• Blood Culture
• Blood Pressure
• Peritoneal Fluid Culture
• Pulse
Other Topics
• Abdomen - Swollen
• Abdominal Pain
• Bile
• Biliary System
• Blood Pressure - Low
• Fever
• Intravenous
• Pulse - Bounding
• Shock
• Thirst - Excessive
• Urine Output - Decreased
• Vital Signs
Review Date : 7/18/2002
Reviewed By : Julie A. Miller, M.D., Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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