Overview of the peritoneum
Peritoneum is the largest plasma membrane in the human body, with an area of about 2m2, and it is also the most structurally complex membrane, covering the abdominal and pelvic walls and the surface of the abdominal and pelvic cavities, consisting of mesothelial cells and connective tissues containing elastic fibers, and it is translucent. The peritoneum lining the abdominal and pelvic walls is called the wall peritoneum, and the peritoneum that folds back from the wall peritoneum and covers the surface of the abdominal cavity and pelvic organs is called the dirty peritoneum. The structural components of the peritoneum include the omentum, tunica, ligaments, peritoneal folds, peritoneal crypts and traps. The peritoneum has the functions of secretion, protection, support, absorption and repair.
Etiology
Peritoneal diseases are a class of diseases with complex etiology, including various inflammatory lesions of the cumulative peritoneum, which is common in tuberculous peritonitis; adhesions due to trauma and inflammation, most of which are acquired, manifested as overlapping peritoneal folds, i.e., abnormal membranous adhesions, such as gallbladder-duodenal membrane that can cause symptoms similar to duodenal ulcers or gallbladder diseases; they also include primary and secondary tumors, with benign primary tumors being rare, and benign malignant tumors common. Secondary malignant tumors are common, and peritoneal mesothelioma is the only tumor that originates from peritoneal mesothelial cells.
Symptoms
Most peritoneal diseases have insidious onset, with early manifestations of abdominal pain, abdominal distension, abdominal muscle tension, fever, malignancy, vomiting, poor appetite, etc. The nature and degree of abdominal pain have little relationship with respiration, cough, and change of body position; in severe cases, there may be a drop in blood pressure and systemic toxic reaction, but the clinical manifestations of these diseases lack specificity.
Examination
Blood routine, urine routine, liver and kidney function tests, X-ray, ultrasound, CT and other tests can assist in diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Each disease causing peritoneal lesions has different diagnostic criteria depending on the etiology. Primary diseases of the peritoneum are more difficult to diagnose, and secondary diseases need to be combined with medical history, auxiliary examination and pathologic examination to make a definite diagnosis.
Treatment
The basic principle of treatment for peritoneal diseases is to treat the etiology of the disease with medication and, when appropriate, surgery.