Seeking medical attention promptly

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 99 views

Profile of Peritonitis Sufferers at Adam Malik Haji Hospital Medan for the Period 2017-2018

Peritonitis is a serious medical condition characterized by inflammation of the peritoneal membrane, which can be caused by infections or aseptic conditions. This condition is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain, making it a medical emergency situation. If left untreated, peritonitis can develop into sepsis, which can be fatal. Therefore, it is essential to understand the profile of patients with peritonitis to provide effective treatment and improve patient outcomes.

Background and Significance of the Study

Peritonitis is a complex condition that requires prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment. The Adam Malik Haji Hospital Medan is one of the major hospitals in the region, and it is essential to understand the profile of patients with peritonitis who are treated at this hospital. This study aims to determine the profile of patients with peritonitis who were treated at the Adam Malik Haji Hospital Medan in the 2017-2018 period.

Methodology

This study was conducted using a descriptive retrospective approach, utilizing 145 medical record data. The data were collected from the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with peritonitis at the Adam Malik Haji Hospital Medan in the 2017-2018 period. The data were analyzed to determine the demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, and treatment outcomes of patients with peritonitis.

Results

The results of the study showed that most patients experienced generalized peritonitis (97.9%), with secondary peritonitis dominating (78.6%). The most common cause of primary peritonitis was non-irrotic ascites (1.4%), while the most often identified cause of secondary peritonitis was retroperitoneal abscess (17.2%). For tertiary peritonitis, exploratory post-laparactomy measures (14.5%) were the most common causes.

The initial diagnosis for most cases of peritonitis was based on inflammation (63.4%). The most frequently exposed age group was patients aged over 60 years (29.7%), with a proportion of men (57.2%) more than women. In terms of clinical symptoms, the main complaints felt by patients included abdominal pain (58.6%) and nausea and vomiting (58.6%). Interestingly, most patients did not show an increase in body temperature (75.9%) and experienced leukocytosis (55.9%).

In terms of treatment, most patients received antibiotic combination therapy (71%), followed by pain control (66.2%) and operative measures in the form of exploratory laparomy (33.8%). The most common inpatient duration was more than 14 days (36.6%), and the majority of patients did not experience sepsis during treatment (71%). When the patient was discharged from the hospital, most of them were alive (65.5%).

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that generalized peritonitis, which is secondary, with the main etiology being inflammation due to retroperitoneal abscess, is very dominating among the patients under study. Generally, this peritonitis is more common in men over 60 years old, with typical clinical complaints. The right management can increase the success rate of treatment, so that most patients can go home alive.

Research Relevance

Information obtained from this study is very important for medical personnel, especially in the diagnosis and handling of peritonitis. By understanding the profile of patients and their etiology patterns, it is expected to increase the speed and accuracy in handling cases of peritonitis in hospitals, as well as suppressing the morbidity and mortality rates that often accompany this condition.

Implications for Future Research

This study provides valuable insights into the profile of patients with peritonitis, which can inform future research in this area. Further studies can investigate the effectiveness of different treatment approaches for peritonitis, as well as the impact of patient demographics and clinical symptoms on treatment outcomes. Additionally, studies can explore the role of early diagnosis and treatment in reducing morbidity and mortality rates associated with peritonitis.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the use of retrospective data and the limited sample size. Additionally, the study only included patients who were treated at the Adam Malik Haji Hospital Medan, which may not be representative of patients with peritonitis in other hospitals or regions. Future studies can address these limitations by using prospective data and larger sample sizes.

Recommendations for Clinical Practice

Based on the findings of this study, medical personnel can take several steps to improve the diagnosis and treatment of peritonitis. These include:

Early diagnosis: Medical personnel should be aware of the typical clinical symptoms of peritonitis, such as abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting, and should investigate these symptoms promptly.
Accurate diagnosis: Medical personnel should use imaging studies and laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis of peritonitis and to identify the underlying cause.
Effective treatment: Medical personnel should use a combination of antibiotic therapy, pain control, and operative measures to treat peritonitis effectively.
Monitoring and follow-up: Medical personnel should monitor patients with peritonitis closely for signs of sepsis and should provide follow-up care to ensure that patients are recovering properly.

By following these recommendations, medical personnel can improve the diagnosis and treatment of peritonitis, reducing morbidity and mortality rates and improving patient outcomes.
Q&A: Understanding Peritonitis and Its Treatment

Peritonitis is a serious medical condition that requires prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about peritonitis and its treatment.

Q: What is peritonitis?

A: Peritonitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the peritoneal membrane, which is the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdominal cavity. This inflammation can be caused by infections or aseptic conditions.

Q: What are the symptoms of peritonitis?

A: The symptoms of peritonitis can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Leukocytosis (an increase in white blood cells)
Abdominal tenderness

Q: What are the different types of peritonitis?

A: There are three main types of peritonitis:

Primary peritonitis: This type of peritonitis is caused by a bacterial infection that occurs in the peritoneal cavity.
Secondary peritonitis: This type of peritonitis is caused by a bacterial infection that spreads from another part of the body, such as the lungs or the urinary tract.
Tertiary peritonitis: This type of peritonitis is a complication of secondary peritonitis that occurs when the infection spreads to other parts of the body.

Q: How is peritonitis diagnosed?

A: Peritonitis is typically diagnosed based on a combination of physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Laboratory tests may include:

Complete blood count (CBC)
Blood cultures
Urine analysis
Imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans

Q: What is the treatment for peritonitis?

A: The treatment for peritonitis typically involves a combination of:

Antibiotic therapy: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
Pain control: Pain medications are used to manage abdominal pain.
Operative measures: Surgery may be necessary to drain abscesses or repair damaged tissue.

Q: What are the complications of peritonitis?

A: Peritonitis can lead to several complications, including:

Sepsis: A life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to infection becomes uncontrolled.
Organ failure: Peritonitis can cause damage to organs such as the kidneys, liver, and lungs.
Death: Peritonitis can be fatal if left untreated or if treatment is delayed.

Q: How can peritonitis be prevented?

A: Peritonitis can be prevented by:

Practicing good hygiene: Washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Getting vaccinated: Vaccines can help prevent infections that can lead to peritonitis.
Seeking medical attention promptly: If symptoms of peritonitis occur, seek medical attention immediately.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of peritonitis, individuals can take steps to prevent this serious medical condition and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms occur.