Peritonitis
Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum - the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, that covers the surface of many of the abdominal contents, and that forms the mesentery - the attachments of organs such as the small intestine to the back wall of the abdomen. It may be primary, as a consequence of infection by bacteria such as the streptococcus, or tuberculosis, but more usually it is a consequence of intestinal disease - typically perforation of a peptic ulcer, where irritant gastric juices spill into the abdominal cavity. There is severe pain, often of sudden onset, possibly associated with vomiting and collapse. The usual treatment is surgery.
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