How is gastric perforation treated?
Disease description:
My father has recently been experiencing severe abdominal pain, along with symptoms of coughing up blood and passing blood in his stool. After visiting the hospital, he was diagnosed with a perforated stomach. May I ask how a perforated stomach should be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
The treatment of gastric perforation should be based on the specific clinical condition and includes the following targeted measures:
1. Conservative treatment: Applicable for small perforations occurring on an empty stomach. This approach involves fasting, continuous gastrointestinal decompression, intravenous nutritional support, and administration of medications to inhibit gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa, thereby promoting perforation healing.
2. Surgical treatment: Required for perforations occurring after a full meal, cases with persistent worsening symptoms, or when conservative treatment is ineffective. Surgical options include laparoscopic repair and open laparotomy repair; the former has the advantages of less trauma and faster recovery. For perforations caused by gastric tumors, partial gastrectomy or other appropriate surgical procedures are required.
3. Comprehensive treatment: Postoperative management should include continued anti-infective therapy, nutritional support, and other comprehensive treatments to promote patient recovery.
