Treatment:

Surgery is usually necessary to remove sources of infection such as an infected bowel, inflamed appendix, or abscess.

General treatment includes:

• Antibiotics
• Fluids through a vein (IV)
• Pain medicines
• Tube through the nose into the stomach or intestine (nasogastric or NG tube)

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome depends on the underlying cause, the duration of symptoms before treatment, and the general health of the patient. Outcomes can range from complete recovery to overwhelming infection and death, depending on these factors.

Complications:

• Abscess
• Gangrene (dead) bowel
• Intraperitoneal adhesions ( (a potential cause of future bowel blockage)
• Septic shock

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of peritonitis. This is a serious condition that typically requires emergency medical treatment.