Abdominal cavity inflammation

Description

Peritonitis or abdominal cavity inflammation. The abdominal organsunder the skin and abdominal wall muscles are enveloped by the membrane calledperitoneum. Inflammation or infection of this membrane iscalledperitonitis. The mostfrequent cause is a rupture of the organs in the gastrointestinal tract. For example, bursting of the appendixmay cause peritonitis.If not treated, itmay lead to serious infection and death.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain, hypersensitivity to touch, abdominal distension (abdominal wall hard «as a plank«), elevatedtemperature, reduced urination, nausea and vomiting, thirst, water in stomach, inability to passstool or gas.

Overview

Anamnesis will be taken and medical examination will be done. Cause of peritonitis may be determined with CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging or direct examination during surgical proceeding.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, CT scan, lipase, amylase, hepatogram, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and analysis of urine.

Specialists

General Surgery

Therapy

The cause must be identified and treated without a delay. Treatment generally involves surgical proceeding and antibiotics.