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Clinical features of localised peritonitis

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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The clinical features of localised peritonitis are:

  • a primary intra-abdominal process, e.g. appendicitis
  • localised abdominal pain - made worse by movement of the abdomen e.g. coughing.
  • on examination there are signs of localised peritonism:
    • localised tenderness
    • contraction of the abdominal muscles over the area of tenderness when palpation is attempted - guarding
    • rebound tenderness - when the examining hand is quickly examined the movement of the peritoneum causes intense pain. This sign may be better elicited by percussion or asking the patient to cough.
  • rectal tenderness - anterior tenderness may be elicited
  • features of mild systemic toxicity, e.g. malaise, low-grade fever, tachycardia, leucocytosis on FBC.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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