Peritonits

Dr. Goodman- I had recently asked what would cause peritonitis 1 week post-hysterectomy & you requested additional info.  My peritonitis was caused by a perverated bowel.  I had to have additonal surgery and after this 2nd surgery, I was left with a colostomy & open wound from chest to groin.  I would appreciate any info you have as I have often wondered what went wrong.  Was it from the initial surgery or from my cancer?  I was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer 2 1/2 years ago & appear, than goodness, to be doing well now.  This is just something I have often thought about.  Thanks.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Janjan,

The bowel perforation could have been from the cancer.  This can be seen after chemotherapy has started. The chemo kills the cancer cells that are growing into the bowel wall. When the cells are killed, there is a hole int he bowel.

Bowel perforation can also occur as a complication of surgery. Sometimes the blood supply to certain areas of the bowel can occur after tumor is removed. Then the bowel wall is more fragile and can rupture.

Finally, very commonly, a bowel perforation can occur from diverticulosis and diverticulitis.

I am glad that you are doing well now