The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Peritoneal Infection (Peritonitis)

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, secondary peritonitis, ascitic fluid analysis, source control surgery

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Peritoneal Infection (Peritonitis)?

Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum from infectious or chemical insult, classified as primary (spontaneous bacterial peritonitis), secondary (perforation, anastomotic leak, abscess), or tertiary (recurrent or persistent infection after treatment). Each category has distinct microbiology, presentation, and management.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis affects ascitic fluid in cirrhotic patients, presenting with fever, abdominal pain, encephalopathy, or asymptomatically. Diagnosis requires ascitic neutrophil count above 250 per cubic millimeter; cultures grow gram-negative enterobacteriaceae or gram-positive streptococci. Empirical third-generation cephalosporin and intravenous albumin reduce hepatorenal syndrome risk.

Secondary peritonitis follows perforated viscus, anastomotic leak, ischemic bowel, or surgical site infection, causing diffuse peritonitis with rebound tenderness, sepsis, and acidosis. Computed tomography identifies source; emergency laparotomy or laparoscopy is required for source control with broad-spectrum antibiotics covering gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria. Dialysis peritonitis from peritoneal dialysis catheters is treated with intraperitoneal antibiotics and catheter removal in refractory cases.

Symptoms

Severe diffuse abdominal pain
Fever and rigors
Abdominal distension and tenderness
Nausea, vomiting, ileus
Hemodynamic instability and sepsis

Risk Factors

Cirrhosis with ascites
Recent abdominal surgery
Bowel perforation or ischemia
Peritoneal dialysis catheter
Immunosuppression or malignancy

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • For sudden severe abdominal pain
  • For fever in cirrhotic with ascites
  • For cloudy peritoneal dialysate
  • For postoperative fever and abdominal pain
  • For sepsis with abdominal source

Treatment Methods

01
Diagnostic paracentesis with cell count
02
Third-generation cephalosporin for SBP
03
Intravenous albumin in cirrhotic SBP
04
Emergency surgery for source control
05
Broad-spectrum antibiotics for secondary
06
Catheter removal in refractory dialysis

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Flu (Influenza)

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Influenza is a seasonal contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses; it presents with high fever, muscle pain, and severe fatigue.

COVID-19

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus with a wide clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Upper respiratory tract infections are diseases that include common cold, pharyngitis, sinusitis, and laryngitis, often of viral origin and self-limited.

Urinary Tract Infection

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Urinary tract infections are common bacterial infections most often caused by Escherichia coli, presenting with burning and frequent urination.

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis A is an acute, self-limited liver infection transmitted via the fecal-oral route causing acute hepatitis without chronicity; supportive care suffices in most cases, while vaccination prevents outbreaks and post-exposure prophylaxis within 2 weeks is effective.

Hepatitis B

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis B is a contagious infection caused by HBV virus transmitted via blood, sexual intercourse, and mother-to-child, that can become chronic and progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis C

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by HCV virus transmitted mainly by blood; the rate of chronicity is high, but cure is possible with new antiviral drugs.

HIV/AIDS Information

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

HIV is a virus that targets the immune system; if untreated, it progresses to AIDS. With modern antiretroviral therapy, HIV-positive individuals can lead healthy, long lives.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.