HEMOPERITONEUM Meaning and
Definition
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Hemoperitoneum is a medical term used to describe the presence of blood within the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal cavity is the space located between the abdominal organs and the lining of the abdominal wall known as the peritoneum. It is a potential space that normally contains a small amount of clear fluid, but in cases of hemoperitoneum, blood accumulates in this area.
Hemoperitoneum is typically caused by trauma or injury to the abdominal region, such as a ruptured organ or blood vessel. It can also occur as a result of surgical complications, such as bleeding during or after a procedure. Other potential causes include certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, bleeding disorders, or tumors that lead to spontaneous bleeding.
The presence of blood in the peritoneal cavity can cause various symptoms and complications depending on the amount and rate of bleeding. Common symptoms of hemoperitoneum may include abdominal pain, swelling, distension, and tenderness. In severe cases, it can lead to shock and life-threatening conditions requiring immediate medical intervention.
The diagnosis of hemoperitoneum is usually made through physical examination, imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or diagnostic peritoneal lavage (a procedure in which a catheter is inserted into the peritoneal cavity to collect and examine the fluid). Treatment options for hemoperitoneum depend on the underlying cause and severity of the bleeding and may include surgery to control the bleeding, blood transfusions to restore blood volume, and supportive care to manage symptoms and complications.
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Effusion of blood into the peritoneal cavity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEMOPERITONEUM
- gemoperitoneum
- bemoperitoneum
- nemoperitoneum
- jemoperitoneum
- uemoperitoneum
- yemoperitoneum
- hwmoperitoneum
- hsmoperitoneum
- hdmoperitoneum
- hrmoperitoneum
- h4moperitoneum
- h3moperitoneum
- henoperitoneum
- hekoperitoneum
- hejoperitoneum
- hemiperitoneum
- hemkperitoneum
- hemlperitoneum
- hempperitoneum
- hem0peritoneum
Etymology of HEMOPERITONEUM
The word "Hemoperitoneum" is derived from two roots: "hemo-" and "peritoneum".
The root "hemo-" is derived from the Greek word "haima" which means "blood". It is attached as a prefix to indicate the involvement of blood.
The root "peritoneum" comes from the Greek word "peritonaion" which means "the lining around the abdomen". It refers to the serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs.
Therefore, "Hemoperitoneum" literally means "blood in the peritoneum" and is used to describe the accumulation of blood in the abdominal cavity.
