Secondary Peritonitis

Secondary peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the inside of the abdomen, caused by an infection that originates within an abdominal organ, such as after appendicitis or the perforation of a hollow organ.

Warning signs: Severe abdominal pain that worsens with movement, a hard and tender abdomen, fever, nausea, or vomiting.

When to seek care? It is considered a medical emergency: with severe, persistent abdominal pain, you should seek care immediately.

Which specialist treats it? The general surgeon is the go-to professional, and for children the pediatric surgeon; the general practitioner can guide initial care. Faced with these symptoms, the safest thing is to go to an emergency service without delay.