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Peritonitis - secondary

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Alternative Names:

Secondary peritonitis

Treatment:

Surgical treatment is usually necessary to remove sources of infection such as infected bowel, inflamed appendix, or an abscess . General treatment includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and use of medications to treat pain.

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:

• Septic shock
• Abscess
• Intraperitoneal adhesions

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.

• Review Date: 6/7/2006
• Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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