An intestinal perforation is a hole that develops through the wall of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large bowel, rectum, or gallbladder. This condition is a medical emergency.

Causes of Intestinal Perforations

A variety of conditions can cause intestinal perforations.  Often, the causes of intestinal perforations include obesity, ulcers, appendicitis, gastrointestinal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, diet, and prolonged constipation. Commonly, we see intestinal obstructions that turn into perforations.  For example, an intestine complicated by a twisting, thus cutting off the natural flow through the intestine.  This twisting does not cause the perforation itself, it simply causes an obstruction.  However, the obstruction, if left untreated, can develop into a perforation.

Preventing an Intestinal Perforation

The good news is that, at least in some cases, you can minimize the risk of developing an intestinal perforation.  The following actions when taken can help prevent an intestinal perforation; maintain a healthy diet, exercise, inform your primary care physician of constipation that prevents normal elimination for more than a day, and thereafter become an advocate for your health by giving your primary care physician (PCP) daily updates until your system returns to normal.

Symptoms of Peritonitis

The symptoms of peritonitis are:

• The stomach is very painful or tender
• The stomach pain may become worse when touched or upon movement
• Fever and chills
• Fluid in the abdomen
• Passing little or no stools or gas
• Excessive fatigue
• Passing less urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Racing heartbeat
• Shortness of breath

To put the severity of an intestinal perforation in context, it has been explained to me (by one of our medical experts) as equivalent to a child drowning.  You do not stand by and watch to see what happens.  You dive in and bring the child to safety.  If someone has a perforation, immediate action is required.