intraperitoneais

Intraperitoneais, or intraperitoneal, is a term used in anatomy and clinical medicine to describe structures, spaces, or procedures that are located within the peritoneal cavity.

The peritoneum is a serous membrane consisting of a visceral layer that covers most abdominal organs and a parietal layer that lines the abdominal wall. The potential space between these layers contains a small amount of lubricating fluid that allows smooth movement of the viscera. The distinction between intraperitoneal and other relationships to the peritoneum is important for understanding anatomy and surgery.

Intraperitoneal organs are those completely enveloped by visceral peritoneum and connected to the posterior abdominal wall by mesenteries, omenta, and ligaments. In contrast, retroperitoneal organs lie outside the peritoneal cavity or behind it. Examples of intraperitoneal organs include the stomach, liver, spleen, and many portions of the small intestine and colon. The classification helps guide surgical approach and considerations for fluid administration.

Clinically, the designation intraperitoneal is important for routes of drug administration and for understanding disease processes. Intraperitoneal injections or infusions deliver fluid directly into the cavity, used in research and certain cancer therapies (intraperitoneal chemotherapy). Peritoneal dialysis confers long-term treatment by introducing dialysis solution into the intraperitoneal space.

Pathologies affecting the intraperitoneal space include peritonitis, which inflames the peritoneum, and peritoneal carcinomatosis, in which cancer spreads to the peritoneum. Imaging and procedures such as laparoscopy or catheter placement are used to access and treat intraperitoneal conditions.