Is a perforated duodenal ulcer life threatening?
Is a perforated duodenal ulcer life threatening? Duodenal perforation is a rare, but potentially life-threatening injury. Multiple etiologies are associated with duodenal perforations such as peptic ulcer disease, iatrogenic causes and trauma. How serious is a perforated duodenum? How serious is a perforated ulcer? A perforated ulcer is a serious condition in which an untreated ulcer can burn through the wall of the stomach, allowing digestive juices and food to seep into the peritoneum (abdominal cavity). This can lead to peritonitis (inflammation of the intestinal wall) and sepsis (a severe reaction to infection). What happens when a duodenal ulcer perforates?...