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Peritonitis - secondary   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Secondary peritonitis

Definition:

Secondary peritonitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity) that occurs because of entry of bacteria or enzymes into the peritoneum from the gastrointestinal tract.

Causes and Risks

The causes of secondary peritonitis include:

• Entry of bacteria into the peritoneum from a perforation (hole) in the gastrointestinal tract, as from a ruptured appendix
• Severe chemical reactions from pancreatic enzymes as in pancreatitis, or bile as a result of injury or perforation of the intestine or biliary tract
• Introduction of foreign contaminants into the peritoneal cavity e.g. peritoneal dialysis catheters

Inflammation occurs within the peritoneal cavity, which can result in bowel distention, infection of the bloodstream, and systemic illness. Secondary peritonitis often occurs in premature newborns who have necrotizing enterocolitis.

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