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Peritonitis - Overview

Alternative Names

Acute abdomen

Definition of Peritonitis:

Peritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum, the tissue that lines the wall of the abdomen and covers the abdominal organs.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A collection of pus in the abdomen, called an intra-abdominal abscess, may cause peritonitis.

See the specific types of peritonitis:

  • Reviewed last on: 7/14/2006
  • J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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