Other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
The peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity from the inside and thus has contact with the abdominal organs from the outside. Peritonitis is a serious disease that should be treated as an in-patient as it can be fatal. It occurs when pathogens of the gastrointestinal tract leave the tract and enter the free abdominal cavity.
Most often, this happens in the course of appendicitis, especially when the appendix ruptures. Even after operations on organs in the abdominal cavity, leaking sutures can cause pathogens to cross the abdominal cavity. You can find detailed information under peritonitis.
The pancreas produces important food hormones, such as insulin, and shares an excretory duct with the gallbladder. Therefore, diseases of the gallbladder, such as gallstones, can lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Excessive alcohol consumption is also an important trigger.
Overall, inflammation of the pancreas is a very serious disease that should be treated as an in-patient. Typical symptoms are belt-shaped upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. You will find detailed information under Pancreatitis.
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