Is an upper gastrointestinal perforation serious?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 13, 2025
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Upper gastrointestinal perforation is most commonly due to gastric perforation caused by gastric ulcers and is considered an emergency in clinical settings. Following the perforation, the contents of the stomach leak into the abdominal cavity, causing diffuse peritonitis and potentially leading to shock; urgent perforation repair surgery is required. If the perforation is caused by a large ulcer, a major part of the stomach may be removed to prevent recurrence of the ulcer. After surgery, it is important to enhance fluid support. If there is a significant peritonitis, timely use of antibiotics is necessary. Post-surgery, it is crucial to rest, focus on dietary adjustments, eat more vegetables and fruits, and consume fewer spicy and greasy foods. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Can upper gastrointestinal bleeding be cured?

Gastrointestinal bleeding, especially lower gastrointestinal bleeding, is a common and urgent condition in gastroenterology. It is relatively common clinically, and generally has good treatment outcomes. However, due to different causes, the treatment efficacy and methods may vary. For upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by different reasons, the prognosis also varies. For example, upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by gastric ulcers generally responds well to medical treatment and usually can be cured. However, if considering upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by gastric tumors, particularly gastric cancer common among the general population, the treatment outcome may not be as favorable. Besides surgery and chemotherapy, the five-year survival rate is relatively higher, but for advanced-stage gastric tumors, the treatment efficacy is generally poorer and the prognosis is relatively worse.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
51sec home-news-image

Is an upper gastrointestinal perforation serious?

Upper gastrointestinal perforation is most commonly due to gastric perforation caused by gastric ulcers and is considered an emergency in clinical settings. Following the perforation, the contents of the stomach leak into the abdominal cavity, causing diffuse peritonitis and potentially leading to shock; urgent perforation repair surgery is required. If the perforation is caused by a large ulcer, a major part of the stomach may be removed to prevent recurrence of the ulcer. After surgery, it is important to enhance fluid support. If there is a significant peritonitis, timely use of antibiotics is necessary. Post-surgery, it is crucial to rest, focus on dietary adjustments, eat more vegetables and fruits, and consume fewer spicy and greasy foods. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
57sec home-news-image

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding, vomiting blood suggests how much bleeding?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding presenting as hematemesis indicates a bleeding volume of at least 200 mL. If a patient experiences upper gastrointestinal bleeding accompanied by vomiting blood, it suggests a significant amount of bleeding and should be taken very seriously. Patients should seek treatment at a specialized gastrointestinal department of a reputable hospital and have an endoscopic examination as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, endoscopic hemostasis can be performed. After the occurrence of hematemesis due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is recommended to be hospitalized for treatment. Treatment should also include the use of hemostatic drugs, acid-suppressing medications, and drugs that protect the gastric mucosa. Acid suppression medications can include proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor antagonists, among others.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 20sec home-news-image

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding refers to bleeding that occurs in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding generally refers to bleeding caused by esophageal, gastric, and duodenal lesions, which clinically manifests most commonly as vomiting blood and blood in stools. Of course, some patients may also experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and chest tightness. Common causes to be aware of include inflammation, ulcers, tumors, and vascular malformations, especially gastric and duodenal ulcers which are relatively common in clinical settings. The fastest diagnosis mainly relies on gastroscopy, thus it is recommended that patients who suspect upper gastrointestinal bleeding should undergo a gastroscopy as soon as their condition stabilizes to determine the specific cause of the bleeding, such as digestive tract ulcers or even tumors. For treatment, conservative medical management is initially advised, focusing on aggressive fluid replenishment, acid suppression for gastric protection, and blood volume supplementation. Once the gastroscopy provides a clear diagnosis, the treatment plan should be promptly adjusted.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
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The most common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is also relatively common in clinical practice, and its common causes mainly include the following points: The first is bleeding from gastric and duodenal ulcers; the second is liver cirrhosis leading to portal hypertension, which causes rupture and bleeding of gastric varices; the third is acute erosive gastritis leading to acute ulcer bleeding; the fourth category includes gastric cancer and various systemic diseases, such as bleeding caused by hematologic diseases. Therefore, if upper gastrointestinal bleeding occurs and the patient has a large amount of bleeding or rapid bleeding, they must seek medical attention immediately.