Gastrointestinal perforation

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Digestive system

Digestive system organs

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Gastrointestinal perforation

Alternative Names:

Intestinal perforation; Perforation of the intestines

Treatment:

Treatment usually involves surgery. The patient undergoes general anesthesia, and an incision is made in the abdomen. The abdominal cavity is washed out, and the perforation in the intestine or stomach is repaired.

Occasionally, a temporary colostomy or ileostomy may be required. In rare cases, antibiotic therapy alone can treat perforations. This is the case in patients whose perforations have sealed off, because they are not systemically ill. This is evident from physical exam, laboratory tests, and x-rays.

Expectations (prognosis):

Depending on the disease process and the length of time since the perforation occured, it can usually be successfully repaired with surgery.

Complications:

Complications include bleeding, infection, and formation of intra-abdominal abscesses.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your doctor for any severe abdominal pain, fevers, nausea, vomiting, or severe changes in bowel habits.

Review Date: 7/14/2004
Reviewed By: Norman S. Kato, MD, Surgeon with the Cardiac Care Medical Group, Encino, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.