ABSTRACT
The peritoneal cavity is frequently affected by infectious, inflammatory, and traumatic processes and, rarely, neoplasia. The response of the peritoneum to these insults is predictable, resulting in inflammation, edema, and the formation of a fibrinous scaffolding of tissue that matures into adhesions between peritoneal surfaces in an attempt to isolate and contain the pathologic process.1 This chapter will first review the anatomy and pertinent pathophysiology of peritoneal disease and will then focus on peritonitis, abdominal trauma, and hemoperitoneum.
