Abdominal Pain Mechanical Intestinal Obstruction Ileus Ischemic Colitis Appendicitis Acute Peritonitis Chronic Peritonitis Acute Peritonitis Inflammation of the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneum itself is remarkably resistant to infection and, unless contamination continues from an uncontrolled source, tends to heal with treatment. Peritoneosystemic shunts, in common with other long-lasting peritoneal drains, tend to become infected and lead to peritonitis. Drains of any type may furnish an entry for bacteria into the peritoneal cavity. Barium introduced into the peritoneal cavity via an enema through a perforated diverticulum can lead to acute and later to chronic peritonitis because of the combination of barium and infection.
Meconium peritonitis can occur from perforation of the bowel in utero.
Ascites, secondary to cirrhosis of the liver, may become infected spontaneously. The symptoms of peritonitis depend on the virulence and extent of the infection. In a previously well patient, the sudden onset of abdominal pain is either localized, if the process is confined by viscera or omentum, or generalized, if the entire peritoneal cavity is involved. In severe cases of generalized peritonitis, tenderness occurs over the entire abdomen with vomiting and high fever. Peristalsis is absent.