Addressing Perforated Gastric Ulcers: Surgical Repair Method

Perforated gastric ulcers are a serious complication of peptic ulcer disease, occurring when a hole develops in the lining of the stomach, allowing stomach acid and digestive juices to leak into the abdominal cavity. This condition can lead to severe abdominal pain, infection, and life-threatening complications such as peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining). Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further complications and preserve the integrity of the digestive system. Perforated gastric ulcers often require surgical intervention to repair the perforation and address any underlying causes contributing to ulcer formation.

One of the primary goals of treating perforated gastric ulcers is to repair the perforation and restore the integrity of the stomach wall. Surgical repair typically involves accessing the abdominal cavity through a laparotomy (open surgery) or laparoscopy (minimally invasive surgery) and identifying the site of the perforation. The surgeon then cleans the area surrounding the perforation and closes the hole using sutures or staples to prevent further leakage of gastric contents. In some cases, additional procedures may be necessary to address underlying factors contributing to ulcer formation, such as removing damaged tissue or reinforcing the stomach wall to prevent future perforations.

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Postoperative Care and Management

Following surgical repair of a perforated gastric ulcer, patients require careful postoperative monitoring and management to promote healing and prevent complications. This includes close observation in the hospital to monitor for signs of infection, such as fever or increased abdominal pain, and to ensure proper wound healing. Patients may also receive antibiotics to prevent or treat infections and medications to reduce stomach acid production and promote ulcer healing. In some cases, patients may require temporary enteral or parenteral nutrition to allow the stomach to rest and heal.

After discharge from the hospital, patients will need to follow up regularly with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and ensure the perforated gastric ulcer has healed properly. This may involve additional imaging studies, such as endoscopy or imaging scans, to assess the integrity of the stomach lining and confirm closure of the perforation. Patients will also receive guidance on lifestyle modifications and dietary changes to reduce the risk of ulcer recurrence, such as avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and alcohol and managing stress. With proper treatment and follow-up care, most patients can recover successfully from perforated gastric ulcers and resume normal activities.

Our team can schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Anuj Dua to discuss your disorder and treatment options.