Gastrointestinal perforation (GP) occurs when a hole forms all the way through the stomach, large bowel, or small intestine. It can be due to a number of different diseases, including appendicitis and diverticulitis. It can also be the result of trauma, such as a knife wound or gunshot wound.
What can cause a perforated intestine?
Intestinal perforation, defined as a loss of continuity of the bowel wall, is a potentially devastating complication that may result from a variety of disease processes. Common causes of perforation include trauma, instrumentation, inflammation, infection, malignancy, ischemia, and obstruction.
What are signs of perforation?
Bowel Perforation Symptoms
- Abdominal pain (often severe and diffuse)
- Severe abdominal cramping.
- Bloating.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- A change in your bowel movements or habits.
- Rectal bleeding.
- Fever (usually not immediately)
- Chills.
