Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Perforated Colon?

Mona D. Rigdon
Mona D. Rigdon

A perforated colon is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with a perforated colon show a complete hole in the colon, which allows the contents of the intestine to flow into the abdominal cavity. Perforation of the colon or other part of the gastrointestinal tract is a medical emergency that often requires surgical repair.

A patient with a perforated colon can present with symptoms such as bowel obstruction, pain with fever or chills, increased white blood cell count, nausea, diarrhea or constipation. Other symptoms include bloody stool, fatigue and jaundice. These symptoms overlap with those of other conditions, so it is important to know the factors for increased risk of developing a tear in the colon wall. History of certain medical problems such as diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease or colon muscle hernia presents a significant increase in the risk of developing the disorder. The risk of developing this problem increases with age.

Surgery is usually necessary to treat a perforated colon.
Surgery is usually necessary to treat a perforated colon.

The causes of a perforated colon are varied. Gall bladder problems or gallstones, appendicitis or recent surgical procedure can cause a hole in the colon. Damage to the colon through injury, infections such as ulcerative colitis and a hernia of the colon muscle can lead to a perforation. Chronic constipation leading to obstruction can also cause a perforation. A perforated colon can cause many other serious medical emergencies, such as a bacterial infection of the abdominal cavity, a condition called peritonitis.

An infection in the colon can lead to perforation.
An infection in the colon can lead to perforation.

A doctor must diagnose this serious medical condition. Often, a doctor will order several tests to confirm the suspicion that there is colon damage. Some of these tests can include complete blood count (CBC), X-rays with or without contrast, a CAT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an ultrasound scan, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). These tests all give a picture of what is going on inside the bloodstream or the body.

A computed tomography (CT) scan can be used to determine the extent of diverticulitis and any related complications.
A computed tomography (CT) scan can be used to determine the extent of diverticulitis and any related complications.

Treatment of a perforated colon is often surgical. When surgery is not required, an extensive hospital stay usually is necessary to combat the infection caused by the intestinal contents that seep into the abdominal cavity. Intravenous antibiotics help combat this infection and usually are continued even after a surgical procedure to repair the condition. As many people have colon or other digestive system damage and never show symptoms, it is possible to live with certain instances of colon perforation. Doctors recommend making this determination after testing and discussion with a specialist to determine the extent of any perforation.

Fever, chills, and nausea may be present in a patient with a perforated colon.
Fever, chills, and nausea may be present in a patient with a perforated colon.

It is possible in most cases to prevent this serious medical condition. A diet that is rich in fiber and a healthy lifestyle are keys to preventing risk factors such as constipation and diverticulitis. Regular exercise also is important. In the United States, the number of people suffering from diverticulitis is the highest of all developing nations, with an estimate that more than 50 percent of people more than 50 years old suffer from the condition. According to doctors, lifestyle choice is the leading cause of many problems that lead to colon perforation.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Surgery is usually necessary to treat a perforated colon.
      By: derege
      Surgery is usually necessary to treat a perforated colon.
    • An infection in the colon can lead to perforation.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      An infection in the colon can lead to perforation.
    • A computed tomography (CT) scan can be used to determine the extent of diverticulitis and any related complications.
      By: Pavel Losevsky
      A computed tomography (CT) scan can be used to determine the extent of diverticulitis and any related complications.
    • Fever, chills, and nausea may be present in a patient with a perforated colon.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Fever, chills, and nausea may be present in a patient with a perforated colon.
    • Appendicitis can be the cause of a perforated colon.
      By: joshya
      Appendicitis can be the cause of a perforated colon.
    • An abdominal X-ray is one of the tests that can help to diagnose a perforated colon.
      By: alkerk
      An abdominal X-ray is one of the tests that can help to diagnose a perforated colon.