Small intestine perforation

This is the rupture of the intestinal wall located between the mouth of the stomach and the start of the colon.

It is generally a result of a complication of duodenal ulcer, appendicitis, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease or cancer, but may also be due to surgery or a diagnostic test.

It mainly manifests as severe abdominal pain, which may be accompanied by nausea, vomits, blood in stool, fever and chills.

Diagnosis is reached through clinical history and physical examination. It will be confirmed by means of an abdominal X-ray and/or CT-scan.

Treatment is surgical in most cases.