Description
A hole in the gastrointestinal tract, also called a perforation. The gastrointestinal tract begins at the mouth and includes the esophagus, small and large intestines, and ends at the anus. A perforation can develop anywhere along this path. Common causes include: ulcer, severe intestinal blockage, trauma, or cancer. It can be life threatening, and generally requires a surgical repair.
Symptoms
Severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, bloody stools, abdominal rigidity, abdominal bloating.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests and imaging studies to identify the perforation will be performed. A CT scan is more accurate than a regular X-ray.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Lipase, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Specialists:
General Surgery, Gastroenterology, Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests and imaging studies to identify the perforation will be performed. A CT scan is more accurate than a regular X-ray.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Lipase, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Specialists:
General Surgery, Gastroenterology, Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Treatment
Therapy depends on the location and severity of the perforation. Treatment includes: intravenous fluids, intravenous antibiotics, nasogastric tube insertion, hospitalization, and emergent surgical repair.