Intraabdominal infections

Intraabdominal Infections are a group of infections that occur within the abdominal cavity. These infections can range from mild to life-threatening and often require prompt medical attention to prevent complications. The abdominal cavity, a large space in the human body, houses several vital organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, and kidneys. Intraabdominal infections can involve any of these organs or the spaces between them.

Causes

Intraabdominal infections are typically caused by a breach in the gastrointestinal tract's integrity, allowing bacteria or fungi to enter the sterile abdominal cavity. Common causes include appendicitis, perforated peptic ulcers, diverticulitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and trauma to the abdomen. Surgical procedures in the abdomen can also introduce pathogens leading to postoperative infections.

Types

There are several types of intraabdominal infections, each with its specific characteristics and treatment approaches. These include:

• Peritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity. It can be primary, secondary, or tertiary, depending on the cause and the patient's condition.
• Abscesses: Localized collections of pus within the abdominal cavity, often developing as a complication of peritonitis or following surgery.
• Cholecystitis: Infection of the gallbladder, usually due to gallstones blocking the bile ducts.
• Diverticulitis: Inflammation and infection of one or more diverticula in the colon.

Symptoms

Symptoms of intraabdominal infections can vary but often include severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and a lack of appetite. The nature of the pain and additional symptoms can sometimes indicate the infection's location and cause.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of intraabdominal infections involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include blood tests to check for signs of infection, imaging studies like Computed Tomography (CT) scans or Ultrasound to visualize the abdominal organs, and sometimes diagnostic laparoscopy.

Treatment

Treatment for intraabdominal infections typically involves antibiotics to combat the infection and, in some cases, surgical intervention to remove the source of the infection, drain abscesses, or repair any damage. The choice of antibiotics and the need for surgery depend on the infection's severity, location, and the patient's overall health.

Prevention

Preventing intraabdominal infections involves minimizing risk factors for the conditions that can lead to them. This includes managing chronic conditions like gallstones and diverticulosis, avoiding unnecessary use of NSAIDs that can lead to peptic ulcers, and ensuring proper care and hygiene during and after abdominal surgeries.

See Also

• Sepsis
• Antibiotics
• Surgical Infection