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Photo of Surgical Treatment of Peritonitis in Dnipro

Surgical Treatment of Peritonitis in Dnipro

Photo of Semenko Vitaliy Oleksandrovych Author Semenko Vitaliy Oleksandrovych Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon
4 min read
Reviewed by Alexander Vasilyevich Gubarik, Honored Doctor of Ukraine, Orthopedic Surgeon updated: 31 July 2026
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Peritonitis is a severe inflammation of the peritoneum that develops when infection, gastrointestinal contents, bile, or blood enter the abdominal cavity. It is a surgical emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Without prompt treatment, peritonitis progresses rapidly and may lead to sepsis, multiple organ failure, and life-threatening complications.

At the Helyos Surgery and Rehabilitation Center, emergency diagnosis and surgical treatment of peritonitis are performed using advanced surgical techniques. Experienced specialists provide comprehensive care from the moment of admission through complete postoperative rehabilitation.

What Is Peritonitis?

The peritoneum is a thin serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs. When infection or the contents of a damaged organ enter the abdominal cavity, inflammation develops rapidly and may spread throughout the entire peritoneal cavity.

Peritonitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgery. Every delay increases the risk of severe complications.

Depending on its cause, peritonitis may be classified as:

  • Primary peritonitis
  • Secondary peritonitis
  • Postoperative peritonitis

Causes and Types of Peritonitis

Peritonitis most commonly develops as a complication of other abdominal diseases.

The most frequent causes include:

  • Acute appendicitis
  • Perforated gastric or duodenal ulcer
  • Acute cholecystitis
  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Abdominal trauma
  • Intestinal perforation
  • Complications after abdominal surgery
  • Inflammatory diseases of the abdominal organs

According to its clinical course, peritonitis may be:

  • Acute peritonitis
  • Chronic peritonitis

Based on the extent of inflammation, it may be classified as:

  • Localized peritonitis
  • Generalized peritonitis
  • Diffuse peritonitis

Acute peritonitis requires emergency hospitalization and immediate surgery.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Peritonitis

The clinical picture develops rapidly and is accompanied by significant deterioration of the patient's condition.

The main symptoms include:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Muscle rigidity of the abdominal wall
  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Marked weakness
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Dry mouth
  • Inability to pass stool or gas

If these symptoms occur, emergency medical services should be contacted immediately.

Diagnostic evaluation includes:

  • Consultation with a surgeon
  • Physical examination
  • Laboratory blood tests
  • Ultrasound examination
  • Computed tomography (CT)
  • Abdominal X-ray
  • Additional diagnostic tests when indicated

A comprehensive evaluation allows rapid confirmation of the diagnosis and determination of the required surgical approach.

Surgical Treatment of Peritonitis

Peritonitis can only be treated in a surgical hospital setting.

The primary goals of surgery are:

  • Eliminate the source of infection
  • Thoroughly irrigate and clean the abdominal cavity
  • Remove infected fluid
  • Restore the integrity of damaged organs
  • Prevent further spread of infection

Different surgical techniques are selected depending on the patient's clinical condition.

Laparotomy

Laparotomy is the traditional surgical approach for treating peritonitis.

During the procedure, the surgeon performs a wide abdominal incision, eliminates the source of infection, thoroughly irrigates the abdominal cavity with antiseptic solutions, and places surgical drains when necessary.

This method is commonly used in severe cases and in patients with widespread inflammation.

Laparoscopic Surgery

In selected cases, peritonitis may be treated using laparoscopic surgery.

The main advantages include:

  • Minimal tissue trauma
  • Reduced postoperative pain
  • Faster recovery
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Excellent cosmetic outcome

Whether laparoscopic surgery is appropriate is determined by the surgeon after a comprehensive evaluation.

Postoperative Care and Rehabilitation

Following surgery, patients remain under continuous medical supervision.

The recovery program includes:

  • Intensive medical therapy
  • Antibiotic treatment
  • Continuous monitoring of vital signs
  • Therapeutic nutrition
  • Gradual increase in physical activity
  • Prevention of postoperative complications

Postoperative rehabilitation focuses on restoring normal body function and preventing recurrent inflammatory processes.

What are the indications for surgical treatment of peritonitis?

The primary indication is a confirmed diagnosis of peritonitis. Regardless of the underlying cause, emergency surgery is required to eliminate the source of infection and prevent life-threatening complications.

What diagnostic methods are used when peritonitis is suspected?

Diagnosis includes examination by a surgeon, laboratory testing, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), abdominal X-ray, and other diagnostic methods that allow rapid confirmation of the condition.

How long is the recovery period after peritonitis surgery?

Recovery depends on the severity of the disease, the extent of surgery, and the patient's overall condition. After discharge, patients should follow their physician's recommendations, adhere to the prescribed therapeutic diet, avoid excessive physical activity, and attend regular follow-up examinations.

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Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH

The thyroid gland plays a vital role in the functioning of the entire body by regulating metabolism, energy balance, and the activity of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. One of the key indicators of thyroid function is the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). A TSH blood test helps doctors assess how well the thyroid gland is working and detect potential disorders at an early stage.

At the Helyos Medical Center, patients can undergo laboratory testing, have a thyroid ultrasound, and receive a consultation with an endocrinologist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

What Is Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and What Does It Do?

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates the function of the thyroid gland. It stimulates the production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), hormones that affect nearly every organ and system in the body.

When thyroid hormone levels decrease, the pituitary gland produces more TSH to stimulate the thyroid. Conversely, when T3 and T4 levels are too high, TSH production decreases. This is why a TSH blood test is considered one of the most important methods for evaluating endocrine system function.

Normal TSH Levels in Women, Men, and Children

Reference ranges may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the testing method used. In most cases, the normal TSH range for adults is approximately 0.4–4.0 mIU/L.

TSH levels can be influenced by:

  • age;
  • sex;
  • pregnancy;
  • certain medications;
  • underlying medical conditions.

During pregnancy, normal TSH values change, especially in the first trimester. Therefore, test results should always be interpreted by a healthcare professional.

In children, TSH levels also vary with age. Newborns typically have higher TSH levels, which gradually decrease and approach adult reference values as they grow.

When Should You Get a TSH Test?

A doctor may recommend a TSH test if you experience symptoms that may indicate thyroid dysfunction.

These symptoms include:

  • persistent fatigue;
  • drowsiness;
  • sudden weight changes;
  • dry skin;
  • hair loss;
  • irregular heartbeat;
  • excessive sweating;
  • insomnia;
  • irritability;
  • difficulty conceiving.

A TSH test is also commonly recommended during pregnancy, when planning pregnancy, to monitor thyroid disease treatment, and as part of routine preventive health check-ups.

Causes of High and Low TSH Levels

An elevated TSH level most commonly indicates an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Possible causes include autoimmune diseases, iodine deficiency, the effects of thyroid surgery, or treatment with certain medications.

A low TSH level may occur in hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. Changes in TSH levels may also be associated with pituitary disorders, severe stress, or the use of certain medications.

TSH test results should always be interpreted together with T3 and T4 levels, clinical symptoms, and the findings of additional diagnostic tests.

How to Prepare for a TSH Blood Test

To obtain the most accurate results, it is recommended to:

  • have your blood drawn on an empty stomach;
  • avoid intense physical activity the day before the test;
  • avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test;
  • inform your doctor about all medications you are taking;
  • whenever possible, have follow-up blood tests performed at the same time of day.

Following these recommendations helps ensure the most reliable laboratory results.

What Do Abnormal TSH Levels Mean and When Should You See an Endocrinologist?

An abnormal TSH level is not a disease itself but rather an indicator of a possible endocrine disorder. To determine the underlying cause, your doctor may recommend additional blood tests, a thyroid ultrasound, and other diagnostic procedures.

You should consult an endocrinologist if you experience symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, receive abnormal thyroid test results, or have a family history of endocrine disorders. Children with suspected thyroid problems should be evaluated by a pediatric endocrinologist.

Conclusion

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is one of the most important indicators of thyroid function. A timely TSH blood test can detect thyroid disorders before noticeable symptoms develop, allowing treatment to begin at an early stage. Regular preventive check-ups, consultations with an endocrinologist, and modern diagnostic methods help maintain endocrine health and reduce the risk of developing serious thyroid and hormonal disorders.
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