Surgery for Intestinal Perforation
Surgery for Intestinal perforation is performed to repair the hole in the gastrointestinal tract that consists of the stomach, small intestine, and large bowel.
Some facts about Intestinal Perforation:
- When a perforation or hole develop in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, it is called gastrointestinal perforation.
- Emergency surgery is often necessary as gastrointestinal perforation is a painful condition that can lead to further health complications.
- A hole in the lower intestine, occurs less frequently.
- The contents of the stomach, small intestine, or large bowel will seep into the abdominal cavity due to a perforation.
- Bacteria can also enter, potentially leading to a condition called peritonitis, which is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment.
- Peritonitis can cause blood poisoning, or sepsis without treatment which may lead to organ failure.
- Internal bleeding and sepsis are possible complications of gastrointestinal perforation.
- Gastrointestinal perforation can also result in abdominal abscesses or permanent bowel damage which may even cause part of the bowel to die.
- Malnutrition, type 2 diabetes, hematoma, corticosteroid therapy and certain medications are also some medical conditions that can contribute to poor wound healing.
Preparation for Intestinal Perforation Surgery:
- Avoid eating and drinking anything eight hours before Intestinal Perforation Surgery.
- You can drink a sip of water with your medications if needed.
- Any history of bleeding disorders or are taking any blood-thinning medicines, aspirin, or other medicines that affect blood clotting should be informed to your doctor as you may need to stop taking these medicines before your surgery.
- The possible complications and side effects, the risks, and what the operation involves will be discussed with you by your doctor.
- X-ray of the chest and abdomen is done to check for air in the abdominal cavity, which is a sign of gastrointestinal perforation.
- Doctor will be able to locate any possible holes by doing a CT scan.
- Blood test will also be done to check for signs of infection and possible blood loss.
Procedure for Intestinal Perforation:
- Usually, the surgery involve an exploratory laparotomy in which the surgeon will open up the person's abdomen and repair any holes in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Any substances from stomach, small intestine, or large bowel of the person that are now in the abdomen will be removed which helps to treat the peritonitis and prevent sepsis.
- It may be necessary to remove part of the intestine in some cases which also requires a colostomy or ileostomy.
- The contents of the person's intestine will be collected in a bag that attaches to their abdomen in this procedure.
- A will require intravenous antibiotics as soon as possible i he/she has sepsis.
- Minimally invasive surgery can be safely and efficaciously done for patients with small bowel perforation to limit sepsis-related wound complications.
- Small bowel perforation, is usually dealt with traditionally by open exploration.
- This is still a challenge for general surgeons especially in limiting wound-related complications.
- Wound infection is the major reason for morbidity in these patients and may be so severe resulting in burst of the abdomen.
- The success of the surgery can be determined by the size of the hole and the length of time before treatment.
