ABSTRACT
PERITONITIS Secondary peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscesses generally occur because of the entry of enteric microorganisms into the peritoneal cavity through a defect in the wall of the intestine or other viscus as a result of obstruction, infarction, or direct trauma. In children, peritonitis is associated primarily with appendicitis but may occur with intussusception, volvulus, incarcerated hernia, or rupture of a Meckel’s diverticulum. Although less common in pediatrics, peritonitis may also occur as a complication of intestinal mucosal disease, including peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, and pseudomembranous enterocolitis.
