Peritonitis - spontaneous

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Peritoneal sample

Peritonitis is inflammation of the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers the abdominal organs. This tissue is called the peritoneum.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)

Spontaneous peritonitis usually results from ascites, a collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, which is usually related to liver or kidney failure. Risk factors for liver disease include alcoholic cirrhosis and other diseases that lead to cirrhosis, such as viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B or C).

Spontaneous peritonitis also occurs in patients undergoing dialysis for kidney failure.

Review Date: 11/14/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.