10 FAQs About the Peritoneum
Article Sources
- 1. 'Peritoneum.' MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 12 April 2021, medlineplus.gov/peritonealdisorders.html
- 2. Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. 'Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.' StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/
- 3. 'Peritonitis.' Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritonitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376247?p=1
The peritoneum is a membrane that holds the organs of the abdomen in their place.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/ It is also the pathway for nerves, lymphatics and blood vessels that stem from this area of the body.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/ Even though the peritoneum is thin, it is comprised of two different layers and may have space between the two.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/
While disorders of the peritoneum are not common, the membrane can be adversely impacted by a few serious medical conditions.1‘Peritoneum.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 12 April 2021, medlineplus.gov/peritonealdisorders.html Understanding how this membrane works contributes to general knowledge about abdominal functions.
What Organs are Contained Within the Peritoneum?
The peritoneum is characterized by its membrane structure, which is comprised of mesothelial cells bonded within a layer of fibrous tissue.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/ It supports several abdominal organs, including the stomach, liver, spleen, ileum, transverse, sigmoid colon and two parts of the duodenum.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/
Outside of the protective membrane but behind the posterior sheath lies the aorta, ascending and descending colon, kidneys, pancreas, esophagus, adrenal glands, ureters and the other two parts of the duodenum.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/ The peritoneum is bound by the pelvic floor, diaphragm, vertebrae and anterior abdominal muscles.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/
What Happens if the Peritoneum Is Injured?
The peritoneum can be injured by an infection, blunt trauma or surgery.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/ The result of an injured peritoneum can be scar formation. These scars are commonly called adhesions.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/
Adhesions can cause a host of health issues. One of the biggest problems with adhesions on the peritoneum is that they can lead to obstructions in both the large and small bowel.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/ Left untreated, these obstructions can be extremely painful and life-threatening sometimes.
What Is the Purpose of the Space Between Peritoneal Layers?
The peritoneum typically has space between the inner and outer layers, called the parietal and visceral peritoneum. The purpose of this space is to hold serous fluid that allows abdominal organs to move freely in place.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/
The outer layer of the membrane is attached to the pelvic and abdominal walls, while the inner layer wraps around the internal organs.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/ The fluid found in this area may also prevent friction from adversely impacting abdominal organs.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/
What Disorders Can Cause Inflammation Of the Peritoneum?
There are several conditions that can adversely impact the function of this membrane. The most common is peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the peritoneum.1‘Peritoneum.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 12 April 2021, medlineplus.gov/peritonealdisorders.html
There are two possible forms of peritonitis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis or secondary peritonitis.3‘Peritonitis.’ Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritonitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376247?p=1 The former may be a complication of kidney or liver disease, while the latter may be due to the rupture of an organ from abdomen.3‘Peritonitis.’ Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritonitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376247?p=1 It's also possible to develop cancer of the peritoneum.1‘Peritoneum.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 12 April 2021, medlineplus.gov/peritonealdisorders.html
How are Peritoneal Conditions Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of issues with the peritoneum depends on symptoms and the underlying cause. Common tests to determine if an issue is present include an abdominal ultrasound, abdominal exploration, peritoneal fluid analysis and other lab tests.1‘Peritoneum.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 12 April 2021, medlineplus.gov/peritonealdisorders.html
The purpose of these tests is to analyze the peritoneal fluid and its membranes for clues into the possible issue.1‘Peritoneum.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 12 April 2021, medlineplus.gov/peritonealdisorders.html Treatment modalities will depend on the diagnosis, the underlying condition causing issues in this area and managing the symptoms.
What Can Cause Peritonitis?
Peritonitis has many causes, including perforation of the organs in the abdominal cavity, for example, a ruptured appendix or perforated colon.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/ Additional causes of peritonitis include blood in the abdomen, gastric juices, a leak from the pancreas, medications or introducing chemicals to the peritoneal cavity.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/
Peritonitis symptoms may include abdominal pain, a rigid abdomen or tenderness in the area, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue. Treatment depends on the condition's cause, but any perforation in an abdominal organ requires surgical intervention.2Kalra, Arjun, Chase J. Wehrle and Faiz Tuma. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Peritoneum.’ StatPearls, January 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534788/
Is Peritonitis Life Threatening?
If peritonitis is not properly and quickly treated, it can lead to infection throughout the body or sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition.3‘Peritonitis.’ Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritonitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376247?p=1 This is the reason that abdominal pain or tenderness, the feeling of fullness accompanied by bloating, fever, confusion, vomiting or nausea, inability to pass gas or stool and low urine output should be checked out by a medical professional right away.3‘Peritonitis.’ Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritonitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376247?p=1
Treatment of bacterial peritonitis involves antibiotics, surgery, IV fluids, pain mediation and oxygen. Some cases require blood transfusion.
Can a Person Get Peritonitis More Than Once?
A history of peritonitis is an adverse indicator of future health issues in those who have had it. Once a person has had peritonitis once, their risk of developing it again is higher than someone who has never had this condition.3‘Peritonitis.’ Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritonitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376247?p=1
Individuals may also be more prone to this issue if they have chronic health conditions that impact abdominal organs. This includes conditions like pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, ulcers, liver cirrhosis and appendicitis.3‘Peritonitis.’ Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritonitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376247?p=1
What is Peritoneal Dialysis?
Peritoneal dialysis is a process that uses catheters to remove waste from the blood when the kidneys stop functioning well enough to do so on their own.3‘Peritonitis.’ Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritonitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376247?p=1 However, because of the way this process is structured, individuals sometimes get infections because of the inadvertent use of contaminated equipment or poor hygiene.3‘Peritonitis.’ Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritonitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376247?p=1
Unclean surroundings may also be a contributing factor to bacteria entering the peritoneal cavity during this type of dialysis.3‘Peritonitis.’ Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritonitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376247?p=1
What are Signs of Peritonitis Caused by Peritoneal Dialysis?
One of the signs of a peritonitis complication due to peritoneal dialysis is fluid flowing through the tube that is cloudy or a different color than usual.3‘Peritonitis.’ Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritonitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376247?p=1 If the dialysis fluid contains any clumps or has an unusual smell, seek medical treatment immediately.3‘Peritonitis.’ Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritonitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376247?p=1
Any redness or inflammation around the tube insertion site during peritoneal dialysis may also be an indication of bacterial peritonitis, especially if any of the other symptoms are present.3‘Peritonitis.’ Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritonitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376247?p=1
