What should be done for suppurative peritonitis?
Nov 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Pyogenic peritonitis requires emergency treatment including anti-infective therapy, gastrointestinal decompression, fluid resuscitation, surgical intervention, and symptomatic supportive measures. This condition is caused by bacterial infection and progresses rapidly, necessitating prompt control of inflammatory spread. Immediate medical attention is required if severe abdominal pain, high fever, nausea, or vomiting occur. Early intravenous administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics is essential.
Pyogenic peritonitis requires emergency treatment including anti-infective therapy, gastrointestinal decompression, fluid resuscitation, surgical intervention, and symptomatic support. This condition is caused by bacterial infection and progresses rapidly, necessitating prompt measures to prevent the spread of inflammation. Immediate medical attention is essential if severe abdominal pain, high fever, nausea, or vomiting occur.
1. Anti-infective treatment: Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics intravenously as early as possible to cover common pathogens. Adjust antibiotics based on culture results later. Use adequate dosage and complete the full course to rapidly control intra-abdominal infection and prevent further inflammatory spread.
2. Gastrointestinal decompression: Insert a nasogastric tube through the nose to continuously drain gastric contents, reducing gastrointestinal distension and relieving symptoms such as bloating and vomiting. This also minimizes leakage of gastrointestinal fluids into the peritoneal cavity, lowering the risk of worsening infection.
3. Fluid resuscitation: Rapidly administer intravenous fluids such as normal saline and glucose solutions to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, maintain effective circulating blood volume, ensure organ perfusion, and prevent serious complications like shock.
4. Surgical treatment: Address underlying causes such as organ perforation or obstruction. Surgery may involve repairing damaged tissues, removing pus and necrotic tissue from the abdominal cavity, and placing drainage tubes when necessary to achieve continuous drainage, thereby eliminating the source of infection at its origin.
5. Symptomatic and supportive care: Use antispasmodic and analgesic medications to relieve severe pain, apply physical or pharmacological methods for fever reduction, and provide parenteral nutrition to supply energy, enhance immune resistance, and promote recovery.
In daily life, maintain good dietary hygiene, avoid overeating, promptly treat gastrointestinal disorders, gradually resume diet as instructed after surgery, and engage in moderate activity to promote gastrointestinal function recovery and reduce the risk of recurrent infection.
