Aetiology of generalised peritonitis

Generalised peritonitis can be caused by the following:

• any cause of localised peritonitis if left for long enough
• perforation of a viscus causing generalised peritoneal irritation, e.g. stomach, colon, gall bladder, enzymatic discharge in acute pancreatitis
• chemical peritonitis may be caused by any foreign substance introduced into the peritoneum, for example talcum powder from operating gloves
• spreading intraperitoneal infection, e.g. faecal contamination following bowel perforation, rupture of an intra-abdominal abscess, anastomotic leak, trauma, surgery