Current concepts in peritonitis

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 23, 2026

Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP) - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis
06:45

Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP) - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis

Published on: December 18, 2010

Mark A Malangoni1

  • 1Department of Surgery, MetroHealth Medical Center, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, H-914, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA. malangoni@metrohealth.org

Current Gastroenterology Reports
|July 17, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Peritonitis is a serious infection with defined risk factors influencing patient outcomes. Prompt surgical intervention and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial for successful treatment and reducing mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Critical Care

Background:

  • Peritonitis is a common and severe infection with well-established pathogenesis and microbiology.
  • Several patient-related factors, including age, infection site, physiological status, organ dysfunction, and malnutrition, significantly impact peritonitis outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the key factors influencing peritonitis outcomes.
  • To highlight the critical role of surgical management and antimicrobial therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of peritonitis pathogenesis, risk factors, and treatment outcomes.
  • Analysis of factors affecting mortality and treatment failure.

Main Results:

  • Risk factors such as advanced age, specific infection sites, physiological derangement, organ dysfunction, and malnutrition are associated with poorer outcomes.
  • The emergence of antibiotic-resistant organisms and delayed surgical intervention correlate with increased treatment failure and mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of peritonitis hinges on controlling the infection source and administering timely, appropriate antimicrobial agents.
  • Surgical expertise is paramount in optimizing patient outcomes for peritonitis.

More Related Videos

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess03:42

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess

Published on: March 15, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications01:25

Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a medical process that removes waste products and excess fluid from the body using the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter.Peritoneal Dialysis MethodsSeveral methods can be used for peritoneal dialysis, including Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, also known as Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis.Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (AIPD) is used for patients with uremic...
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations: