digestive disorders
Perforation of the Digestive Tract
Introduction
Any of the hollow digestive organs may become perforated (punctured), which causes a release of intestinal contents and can lead to Sepsis and Septic Shock (a life-threatening infection of the bloodstream) and death if surgery is not done immediately. Symptoms include sudden severe pain in the chest or abdomen and an abdomen that is tender when touched. X-rays or computed tomography is used to make the diagnosis. Immediate surgery is needed. (See also Overview of Gastrointestinal Emergencies .) A perforation allows food, digestive juices, or other intestinal contents to leak into the abdomen (or sometimes the chest, if the esophagus is perforated). These materials are very irritating and contain bacteria, which cause severe inflammation and infection that are typically fatal if untreated. 