Perforated Peptic Ulcer

Occurs when an untreated ulcer burns through the mucosal wall of the stomach or duodenum, allowing gastric contents to leak into the abdominal cavity

Clinical presentation

  • Sudden severe onset abdominal pain
  • Localised/generalised peritonitis
  • Signs of SIRS
  • Immobile abdomen - board-like rigidity

Investigations

  • CXR/AXR - pneumoperitoneum
  • CT abdo/pelvis - signs of perforation, pneumoperitoneum

Management

  • Surgery