What is covered in this topic?

This topic provides information on the assessment of intra-abdominal infections, the rationale for empirical therapy and adjustments to empirical therapy in patients undergoing surgery. It should be read in conjunction with the corresponding topic:

• Acute appendicitis
• Acute cholangitis
• Acute cholecystitis
• Acute infected pancreatitis
• Diverticulitis
• Peritonitis due to perforated viscus
• Sepsis and septic shock from a biliary or gastrointestinal tract source.

For information on other intra-abdominal infections, see:

• Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
• Peritonitis complicating peritoneal dialysis
• Liver abscess
• Necrotising enterocolitis in neonates.