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Acute abdomen
The cause must be identified and treated promptly. Treatment typically involves surgery and antibiotics.
Peritonitis can be life threatening and may cause a number of different complications. Complications depend on the specific type of peritonitis.
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms of peritonitis.
Turnage RH, Richardson KA, Li BD, McDonald JC. Abdominal Wall, Umbilicus, Peritoneum, Mesenteries, Omentum, and Retroperitoneum. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2008:chap 43.
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