Gastrointestinal perforation

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Gastrointestinal perforation

Gastrointestinal perforation occurs when the wall of the stomach, small intestine or large bowel develops a hole through its entire thickness. Perforation of the intestine leads to leakage of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity. This causes an inflammation called peritonitis. Perforation anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract is a surgical emergency.

Gastrointestinal perforation can be caused by a variety of illnesses, including appendicitis, diverticulitis, ulcer disease, Crohn's disease, and less commonly, infections of the bowel, such as infectious colitis.

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