Hemoperitoneum

Hemoperitoneum is defined as a pathologic accumulation of extravasated blood within the peritoneal cavity. It is classified into two broad categories based on the etiology: traumatic and spontaneous. Once the diagnosis of hemoperitoneum is confirmed, the necessity for blood products can be determined. A patient with hemoperitoneum should be medically managed until resuscitation end points are met, the cause of the hemoperitoneum is identified, and the determination is made as to whether surgical intervention is necessary. The main goals in treating hemorrhage should include attempting to reduce blood flow to the affected area and use of hemostatic agents. Traumatic hemoperitoneum can be caused by blunt or penetrating trauma. Spontaneous hemoperitoneum is often associated with a poor prognosis because of the high likelihood of a malignant etiology. Patients recovering from surgical intervention as a result of hemoperitoneum should be closely monitored. Following the surgical management of hemoperitoneum, patients should be monitored for the presence of coagulopathies.