Large intestine perforation

High urgency
-Moderately severe

It is the rupture of the wall of the intestine that goes from the ileocecal valve of the small intestine to the mouth of the anus. 

The most frequent causes are inflammation of diverticula (diverticulitis), inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) and endoscopic diagnostic procedures. 

It manifests with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and blood in the stool. 

Diagnosis is clinical by interrogation and physical examination. It is confirmed by imaging tests: simple abdominal X-ray, computed tomography).

Treatment is usually based on maintenance of vital signs, early initiation of antibiotics and surgery.

Bibliographic references
  1. Michael J Cahalane. Overview of gastrointestinal tract perforation. UpToDate. Mar 01, 2016.
  2. Nassour I, Fang SH. Gastrointestinal perforation. JAMA Surg 2015; 150:177.
  3. Akbulut S, Cakabay B, Ozmen CA, et al. An unusual cause of ileal perforation: report of a case and literature review. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15:2672.
  4. Kavic SM, Basson. Complications of endoscopy. Am J Surg 2001; 181:319.
  5. Turrentine FE, Denlinger CE, Simpson VB, et al. Morbidity, mortality, cost, and survival estimates of gastrointestinal anastomotic leaks. J Am Coll Surg 2015; 220:195.
  6. María García Ávila, Ángel Blanco Bravo. Perforación de víscera hueca. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010. 495:498
Author
Dr. Elvira Moreno
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Abdomen is rigid as a board


    Localized abdominal pain


    Abdominal pain so acute that you have to stay still and lie down


    Generalised abdominal pain


    Increase in abdominal size