Adhesive peritonitis, pronounced /ədˈhiːsɪv ˌpɛrətəˈnaɪtɪs/, is a medical condition that involves inflammation and scarring of the peritoneum, which is the membrane lining of the abdominal cavity. The word "adhesive" refers to the presence of adhesions (fibrous bands) that form between organs and the peritoneum, causing them to stick together. The spelling of the word "adhesive" is based on the Latin word "adhaesivus," meaning sticky or adhesive, while "peritonitis" is derived from the Greek words "peri" (around) and "tonos" (tension), together meaning inflammation around the abdominal cavity.
Adhesive peritonitis refers to a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and formation of scar tissue within the peritoneal cavity, usually as a result of previous abdominal surgery, infection, or injury. The peritoneum is a thin layer of tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs.
In adhesive peritonitis, the inflammation leads to the formation of adhesions, which are fibrous bands of scar tissue. These adhesions can cause various complications and symptoms. They may lead to the sticking together of abdominal structures or organs that are normally separate, causing pain, discomfort, and restricted movement. Adhesive peritonitis can also create blockages or interfere with the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract.
The condition may develop after surgical procedures like appendectomy, hysterectomy, or bowel resection, as well as due to conditions like peritonitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometriosis. It can occur soon after the initial insult or may take months or years to manifest.
Diagnosis of adhesive peritonitis typically involves a combination of a patient's medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies like abdominal X-rays, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scans.
Treatment options for adhesive peritonitis may include symptomatic relief through pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, or physical therapy. However, in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the adhesions or release the structures affected by the scar tissue.
A form in which a fibrinous exudate occurs, matting together the intestines and various other organs.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "adhesive peritonitis" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.
1. Adhesive: The term "adhesive" is derived from the Latin word "adhaesivus", which means "sticking" or "cling". It is formed from the Latin verb "adhaerere", meaning "to adhere" or "to stick". This term is commonly used to describe substances, such as glue, that cause things to stick together.
2. Peritonitis: The word "peritonitis" comes from the combination of two Greek words. "Peri" means "around", and "tonos" means "tension" or "stretching". The term "peritonitis" refers to the inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the thin tissue lining the inner wall of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs.