Peritonealrelated

Peritonealrelated refers to anything associated with or concerning the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a large, serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs. It is a thin, continuous sac that is folded over itself. The outer layer, the parietal peritoneum, lines the abdominal wall, while the inner layer, the visceral peritoneum, enfolds the organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, and spleen. Between these two layers is a potential space called the peritoneal cavity, which in females contains the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This cavity normally contains a small amount of lubricating fluid that allows organs to move freely within the abdomen.

Peritonealrelated conditions can encompass a wide range of issues. Inflammation of the peritoneum is known as peritonitis, which can be caused by infection, injury, or other medical conditions. Peritoneal effusions are the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, often seen in conditions like liver cirrhosis, heart failure, or certain cancers. Cancers can also affect the peritoneum, either originating there (primary peritoneal cancer) or spreading from other organs (secondary peritoneal carcinomatosis). Surgical procedures involving the abdominal cavity frequently interact with the peritoneum, and complications can arise related to this interaction. Diagnostic procedures such as paracentesis involve sampling fluid from the peritoneal cavity. Furthermore, peritoneal dialysis is a medical treatment for kidney failure that utilizes the peritoneal membrane as a filter.