Anatomic, physiologic, bacteriologic and immunologic aspects of peritonitis

The anatomic aspect of peritonitis describes the division of the abdominal cavity into the supracolic, infracolic and paracolic spaces, moreover the lesser sac and the cul-de-sac of the pelvis. Physiologically the peritoneum plays an important role in the passive exchange of fluid and absorption of particles. Endotoxin, which is elaborated by bacteria activates the classical as well as the alternative complement pathway. It activates also the arachidonic acid metabolism, leading to the release of prostaglandins (PG) and leukotriens (LTC). The local host defense against a bacterial invasion includes the activation of cellular and humeral immunologic defense mechanism, in which the final product of the complement pathway (C5b-9), as well as chemoattractants C3a, C5a and C567 play a key role.