Peritonitis is an inflammatory process of the peritoneum (the serous covering of the abdominal cavity). There are diffuse and localized forms.
Causes
This is a severe complication of all inflammatory-destructive diseases of the abdominal cavity. Primary or secondary peritonitis can develop due to such processes:
- Liver diseases or cirrhosis;
- Kidney failure;
- Rupture of an inflamed appendix;
- Perforation of a stomach or intestinal ulcer;
- Pancreatitis;
- Inflammation of the organs located in the pelvic cavity;
- Intestinal obstruction;
- Abdominal injuries or complications after surgery.
Diagnosis of Peritonitis in Israel
When peritonitis occurs, the patient will exhibit the following clinical signs:
- Sharp increase in temperature to 39 or even 40 degrees Celsius, accompanied by chills and fever;
- Abdominal distension or a feeling of fullness;
- Tightness of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall;
- Difficulties in defecation and passing gas;
- Difficulties in urination;
- Nausea and vomiting that does not relieve the patient.
At the leading clinic in Israel, Ichilov, the patient will undergo a series of progressive diagnostic procedures to verify the diagnosis of peritonitis:
- The surgeon will check for palpatory symptoms indicating the development of peritonitis in the patient;
- Overview X-ray of the abdominal organs;
- Ultrasound examination;
- General laboratory blood analysis;
- Paracentesis – puncture of the abdominal cavity.
In addition to taking the medical history, detailed consultations with leading specialists in gastroenterology, dietetics, and abdominal surgery are conducted at Ichilov clinic.
Treatment of Peritonitis in Israel
Treatment at Ichilov clinic involves only surgical intervention. Access is achieved through a midline laparotomy for diffuse peritonitis or local laparotomy for localized peritonitis. The patient is placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon then excises the affected organ and necrotic tissues. The procedure to eliminate the source of the inflammatory process in the abdominal cavity may involve:
- Appendectomy for inflammation of the vermiform appendix;
- Surgical intervention for inflammation of the gallbladder;
- Resection of part of the intestine due to necrosis.
Treatment of peritonitis in Israel always includes sanitation of the abdominal cavity and ensuring normal drainage of exudate. The drainage function is performed using polymer tubes. After this, the abdominal cavity is irrigated with antiseptic medications and solutions. The surgeon then sutures the wound tightly.
In the postoperative period, the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit. Conservative therapy is indicated.
The goal is:
- To combat intoxication;
- To increase the patient's immunobiological resources;
- To normalize the impaired functioning of organs and systems.
For this purpose, the patient at Ichilov clinic is prescribed:
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy to eliminate all possible infectious agents and prevent further infection of the body;
- Transfusion-infusion therapy;
- Immunocorrective therapy;
- Extracorporeal detoxification;
- Hyperbaric oxygenation.