Overview

When a hole forms completely through the stomach, large intestine, or small intestine, it is known as gastrointestinal perforation (GP). Intestinal perforation, or perforation of the intestines, is another name for this condition. It could be caused by a variety of conditions, including appendicitis and diverticulitis. Trauma, such as a knife wound or a gunshot wound, can also cause it.

A gallbladder perforation is also possible. This can cause symptoms that are similar to that of GP. Gastrointestinal perforation is a medical emergency that necessitates prompt medical attention. It’s a life-threatening situation. With early identification and treatment, the chances of recovery improve, says the best gastro surgeon in Kolkata.

Symptoms of Intestinal Perforation

Some of the common symptoms of intestinal perforation are:

• Chills
• Severe stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever

When a gastrointestinal perforation occurs, and peritonitis develops, the abdomen becomes extremely painful. When someone touches or palpates the area, or when the patient moves, the pain usually gets worse. When you’re lying down, the pain usually goes away. The abdomen may protrude more than usual and feel firm.

Apart from the symptoms of intestinal perforation, peritonitis may cause the following symptoms, says the best gastroenterology surgeon in Kolkata.

• Dizziness
• Passing less urine and stool
• Fatigue
• Fast heartbeat
• Shortness of breath

Causes of Intestinal Perforation

The illnesses that cause GP, as listed by the gastro surgeon in Kolkata, are:

• Diverticulitis
• Appendicitis (common among older people)
• Gallbladder infection
• Stomach ulcer
• Gallstones
• Inflamed Meckel’s diverticulum
• Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
• Malignancies in the GI tract

Intestinal perforation may also occur due to

• Abdominal surgery
• Blunt abdominal trauma
• Abdominal stabbing or gunshot wounds
• Stomach ulcers due to intake of NSAIDs, aspirins, and steroids
• Ingestion of caustic substances

Treatment of Intestinal Perforation

Surgery is usually required to seal the hole and address the condition. The surgery’s objectives are to:

• Repair the anatomical flaw
• Fix the underlying cause of peritonitis
• Get rid of bile, faeces, and food from the abdominal cavity, as they could create complications

If the hole closes on its own, your doctor may not recommend surgery and instead prescribe antibiotics.

A section of the intestine may need to be removed on certain occasions. The gastrointestinal surgeon in Kolkata explains that colostomy or ileostomy is a surgical procedure that permits intestinal contents to drain or empty into a bag attached to your abdominal wall after a section of the small or large intestine is removed.