gastrointestinal disorders
Acute Perforation of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Symptoms and Signs of Acute Perforation of the GI Tract
Esophageal, gastric, or duodenal perforation tends to manifest suddenly and catastrophically, with abrupt onset of acute abdomen with severe generalized abdominal pain, tenderness, and Peritonitis . Pain may radiate to the shoulder. Perforation at other gastrointestinal sites often occurs in the setting of other painful, inflammatory conditions. Because such perforations are often small initially and frequently walled off by the omentum, pain often develops gradually and may be localized. Tenderness also is more focal. Such findings can make it difficult to distinguish perforation from worsening of the underlying disorder or lack of response to treatment. In all types of perforation, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are common. Bowel sounds are quiet to absent. 