The thrilling journey of emergency surgery: How do patients with intestinal perforation overcome the test of life and death?

Intestinal perforation, as the name suggests, refers to a hole in the wall of the digestive tract. This condition can occur throughout the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus, and is often accompanied by symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Complications of this disease include acute peritonitis and sepsis, and may even cause multiple organ failure, putting the patient's life in danger. According to statistics, the mortality rate of intestinal perforation can be as high as 50%. How did this thrilling life-and-death battle unfold?

Typical symptoms of intestinal perforation include sudden, severe abdominal pain that spreads throughout the abdomen.

Causes of intestinal perforation

Intestinal perforation can occur for many reasons, ranging from direct trauma, such as a knife or gunshot wound, to accidental perforation during a medical procedure. In addition, some diseases can also cause rupture of the intestinal wall, such as appendicitis and diverticulitis, and the onset of these diseases may also be related to infection.

Further research suggests that intestinal perforation may be directly related to chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Onset of symptoms

Early signs of intestinal perforation usually include severe abdominal pain, followed by nausea, vomiting, and fever. As the disease progresses, the patient's abdomen becomes tight and tender, and bowel activity may decrease, leading to abdominal bloating, etc. If not diagnosed and treated in time, it will inevitably lead to more serious consequences.

Diagnostic Methods

CT scanning is currently the most commonly used and effective method for the diagnosis of intestinal perforation. Through imaging examinations, doctors can clearly see the damage to the intestines and take timely treatment measures. However, imaging examinations must be used to distinguish it from other acute abdominal symptoms, such as appendicitis, cholecystitis, etc.

For patients who urgently need surgery, timely imaging diagnosis can be a matter of life and death.

The need for emergency surgery

In most cases, intestinal perforation requires surgery. The main goals of surgery are to remove dead tissue and close the hole in the intestine. Before surgery, peritoneal lavage is often done to clear out the contents of the intestine and reduce the risk of infection. Some patients may only require conservative treatment for their perforation, which is considered only when their condition is relatively stable; however, most patients require immediate surgical intervention.

Even with effective surgical and antibiotic treatment, the risk of death from intestinal perforation remains extremely high.

Postoperative recovery and precautions

After surgery, patients usually need long-term observation and recovery, and the doctor will recommend appropriate treatment plans based on the patient's condition. Promote intravenous injections, antibiotic treatment, and appropriate pain control measures to address various postoperative complications.

The experience of intestinal perforation is almost a journey of fighting with death, and the decisive actions of patients and medical teams often become the key to saving lives. How does this disease affect our original outlook on life?

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