What is a common complication of untreated peritonitis?

Sepsis is a common complication of untreated peritonitis because this condition involves the inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the tissue lining the abdominal cavity. When peritonitis occurs, usually due to an infection, there is a risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream, leading to systemic infection—commonly known as sepsis. This can result in a life-threatening condition characterized by widespread inflammation throughout the body, potentially leading to organ failure.

In the context of peritonitis, the presence of infectious organisms in the peritoneal cavity can easily breach the barriers of the body's immune system, allowing pathogens to enter the circulation. If not appropriately treated, the immune response can become overwhelming, resulting in sepsis, which is a serious and often fatal complication requiring prompt medical attention.

The other options, while they may be associated with broader complications of abdominal issues, are not direct or common outcomes of untreated peritonitis. Bowel obstruction and pneumonia may occur due to other underlying conditions or complications but are not as directly linked to the progression of untreated peritonitis as sepsis is. Acute kidney failure can also arise in severe cases, but it typically is a consequence of systemic issues or prolonged sepsis rather than a direct sequela of the peritoneal