Intestinal perforation; Perforation of the intestines

Perforation of the intestine leads to leakage of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity. This causes inflammation called peritonitis.

Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain - severe
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

X-rays of the chest or abdomen may show air in the abdominal cavity (not in the stomach or intestines), suggesting a perforation. CT scan of the abdomen often shows the location of the perforation. The white blood cell (WBC) count is often higher than normal.

Images

Digestive system organs

Previous Section

Gastrointestinal perforation Overview

Next Section

Gastrointestinal perforation Treatment

Review Date: 06/28/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)