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Digestive system organs
Digestive system
 
Overview   

Gastrointestinal perforation

Alternative names:

intestinal perforation; perforation of the intestines

Definition:

Gastrointestinal perforation occurs when the wall of the intestinal system (stomach, small intestine, large bowel) has developed a hole through its entire thickness. Perforation of the gut may lead to peritonitis. Perforation anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract is a surgical emergency.


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