Biliary peritonitis (/ˈbɪliəri ˌpɛrɪtəˈnaɪtɪs/) is a medical condition that occurs when bile from the liver leaks into the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. The IPA transcription of this word shows that the first syllable is stressed ("ˈbɪliəri"), and the second syllable has a secondary stress ("pɛrɪ"). The phonetic transcription also reveals that the second "i" in "peritonitis" is pronounced as "ɪ", unlike the first "i" which is pronounced as "iə". Correct spelling is important in medical terminology to ensure clear communication and accurate diagnoses.
Biliary peritonitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and infection of the peritoneum, the thin membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. This condition occurs when there is a leakage or rupture in the biliary system, which includes the gallbladder and bile ducts, leading to the release of bile into the peritoneal cavity. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver, and its leakage into the abdomen can cause severe inflammation and infection.
The most common cause of biliary peritonitis is a complication of gallbladder disease, such as a gallstone blocking the bile ducts or a perforation of the gallbladder. The symptoms of biliary peritonitis typically include severe abdominal pain, tenderness, fever, nausea, and vomiting. The infection can spread rapidly, leading to a life-threatening condition if left untreated.
Diagnosis of biliary peritonitis usually involves a physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or CT scan), and analysis of the abdominal fluid for signs of infection. The treatment of biliary peritonitis often involves immediate surgical intervention to repair the bile duct or gallbladder, remove any infected tissue, and drain the abdominal cavity. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to fight the infection.
Prompt diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial in managing biliary peritonitis to prevent potentially serious complications. It is important for individuals experiencing symptoms indicative of biliary peritonitis to seek immediate medical attention to improve outcomes and avoid adverse effects on overall health.
The word "biliary peritonitis" is derived from two components:
1. Biliary: The term "biliary" relates to the bile, a digestive fluid produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. The word "biliary" comes from the Latin word "bilis", meaning "bile".
2. Peritonitis: The term "peritonitis" refers to the inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers the abdominal organs. The word "peritonitis" originates from two Latin components - "per" meaning "through" or "over" and "tonos" meaning "stretching" - combined with the suffix "-itis" denoting inflammation.
Therefore, the term "biliary peritonitis" indicates an inflammation of the peritoneum caused by the leakage of bile into the abdominal cavity.