View source for Gastrointestinal perforation

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{{SK}} Bowel perforation; intestinal perforation; colonic perforation; gut perforation

==Overview==
''Gastrointestinal perforation'' is a complete penetration of the wall of the stomach, small intestine or large bowel, resulting in intestinal contents flowing into the abdominal cavity. Perforation of the intestines results in the potential for [[bacterial]] contamination of the [[abdominal]] cavity (a condition known as [[peritonitis]]). Perforation of the [[stomach]] can lead to a chemical [[peritonitis]] due to leaked [[gastric acid]]. Perforation anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract is a [[surgical emergency]].

==Causes==
Underlying causes include [[gastric ulcer]], [[appendicitis]], [[gastrointestinal cancer]], [[diverticulitis]], [[Physical trauma|trauma]], and [[Ascariasis]].

====Drug causes====
*[[Idelalisib]]

==Diagnosis==
===History and Symptoms===
Gastrointestinal perforation results in severe [[abdominal pain]] intensified by movement, [[nausea]] and [[vomiting]]. Later symptoms include [[fever]] and or chills.
===Laboratory Findings===
White blood cells are often elevated.
===X Ray===
On X-rays, free gas may be visible in the abdominal cavity.
===CT===
The perforation can often be visualised using CT.
==Treatment==
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but surgical intervention is nearly always required.

====Contraindicated medications====

{{MedCondContrAbs

|MedCond = Bowel perforation|Alosetron|Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES)}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==Related Chapters==
*[[Stercoral perforation|Stercoral Perforation]]
[[Category:Emergency medicine]]
[[Category:Medical emergencies]]
[[Category:Surgery]]


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