Intestinal Perforation - What To Expect

Specific illnesses related to the gastrointestinal system are the main cause of gastrointestinal perforation. Appendicitis, which is more common among older persons, is one major cause. Other causes include a stomach ulcer, gallstones, gallbladder infection, inflammatory bowel diseases, cancer in the gastrointestinal tract, bowel blockage, and diverticulitis, which is a digestive disease.

This severe infection is called peritonitis. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue covering the inside of your abdomen and most of its organs. The inflammation is usually the result of a fungal or bacterial infection. Peritonitis is a serious condition that needs immediate medical condition.

Since perforated bowel is a medical emergency, timely diagnosis is essential. It will not be readily apparent what is causing the severe abdominal pain that you are experiencing. Therefore, imaging tests will need to be conducted to make a definite diagnosis and proceed with the treatment. Imaging tests typically consist of taking x-rays of the chest and abdomen. To get a more detailed look at where the perforation is, a CT scan is also done.

In most cases, a surgery is necessary to close the hole in the gastrointestinal tract for the treatment. The bowel needs to be put on rest by restricting the consumption of food and drinks. Therefore, all the nutrients are delivered through an intravenous line. Antibiotics are used later on after the surgery to treat or prevent infection.