Intestinal perforation

Intestinal perforation is a serious medical condition where a hole or tear occurs in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. It primarily affects the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. This condition can lead to the leakage of the contents of the intestines into the abdominal cavity, causing severe infection and inflammation, known as peritonitis.

Causes

Intestinal perforation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Trauma or injury to the abdomen
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• Diverticulitis, a condition where small pouches in the colon become inflamed
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract
• Appendicitis

Symptoms

The symptoms of intestinal perforation can vary depending on the location and severity of the perforation. Common symptoms include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Bloating
• Loss of appetite

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of intestinal perforation typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests. These may include:

• Abdominal X-ray
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Ultrasound

Treatment

Treatment for intestinal perforation usually involves surgery to repair the hole or tear. In some cases, a portion of the affected intestine may need to be removed. Antibiotics are also typically given to treat or prevent infection.

Prognosis

The prognosis for intestinal perforation can vary greatly depending on the severity of the perforation and the overall health of the patient. With prompt treatment, many people can recover fully. However, complications can occur, including sepsis, abscess formation, and long-term digestive problems.

See also

• Gastrointestinal perforation
• Peritonitis
• Sepsis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Diverticulitis

Intestinal perforation Resources
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