Is gastrointestinal perforation serious?
Apr 08, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xuemei
Introduction
Gastrointestinal perforation is one of the more serious complications of gastric ulcers, often leading to adverse outcomes such as gastrointestinal discomfort, acute peritonitis, intestinal fistula, intestinal obstruction, and shock. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and, under a doctor's guidance, consider treatments such as vagotomy or partial gastrectomy to control disease progression and reduce the occurrence of complications.
Perforation of the digestive tract is one of the more serious complications of gastric ulcers and is generally considered severe, often leading to adverse outcomes such as gastrointestinal discomfort, acute peritonitis, intestinal fistula, intestinal obstruction, and shock.
1. Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Food, digestive juices, gastric acid, and other substances may easily enter the abdominal cavity, irritating the peritoneum and abdominal organs, causing gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating.
2. Acute Peritonitis
The infection may spread to the peritoneum, resulting in acute peritonitis, characterized by severe abdominal pain and high fever. This condition can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
3. Intestinal Fistula
If the patient does not receive timely treatment, abnormal passages may form between sections of the intestinal wall. These allow food, gastric acid, and digestive fluids to pass abnormally into abdominal organs or cavities, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting.
4. Intestinal Obstruction
Scar tissue from the perforation or inflammatory reactions may partially or completely block the intestine, preventing food and liquids from passing through normally. This leads to severe abdominal pain, constipation, and bloating.
5. Shock
If complications such as intra-abdominal infection, intestinal fistula, or intestinal obstruction develop, they may lead to shock—a severe circulatory disturbance in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively. This results in oxygen deprivation to tissues and organs throughout the body, manifesting as loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, and rapid heartbeat.
Patients are advised to seek prompt medical attention at a hospital. Under a doctor's guidance, treatment options such as vagotomy or partial gastrectomy should be considered to control disease progression and reduce the risk of complications.
