Peritonitis

Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen. This infection can be life threatening and needs to be treated as a medical emergency. Inflammation is most often caused by bacteria, as when an infected appendix ruptures and spills bacteria into the abdominal cavity, but it can also arise from chemical irritants such as stomach acid or bile spillage.

Common symptoms of peritonitis include abdominal tenderness or pain, fever, nausea, difficulty passing stool, and other related symptoms. It is critical that a doctor recognize these possible symptoms of peritonitis and follow up appropriately before the infection becomes too widespread.

If a doctor fails to deliver the accepted standard of care for peritonitis, he or she may be legally liable. Additionally, if a physician introduces bacteria into the abdominal cavity during a badly performed laparoscopy (a form of minimally invasive surgery) or other procedure he or she may be guilty of medical malpractice.

If you or a loved one is suffering from peritonitis contact our lawyers to learn more about your legal rights.