Perforated stomach ulcer is also known as a bleeding ulcer or a perforated peptic ulcer. This is a very serious problem in which an untreated ulcer burns through the stomach wall or other areas of the gastrointestinal tract thus allowing digestive juices and food to leech into the cavity of the abdomen.
Immediate surgery is generally required for its treatment. Before the ulcer burns through the thickness of the stomach or duodenal wall, this type of ulcer is generally known as peptic ulcer. A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori is usually the cause of perforated ulcers. The cases involving this problem is steadily being reduced though there are still reported cases. Smoking and taking anti-inflammatory drugs are said to be the causes of this disease. To diagnose it, an X-ray of the stomach can be done.
Here are some noteworthy information regarding perforated peptic ulcer:
- It was a disease of young men 50 years ago.
- At present, elder women are its main sufferers.
- The number of perforated ulcers remains the same.
- The increase in NSAID in old people is the possible cause of it.
- 80% of perforated ulcer is caused by H. pylori.
The diagnosis of stomach ulcer can include the following methods:
- Endoscopy – The patient is placed under light anesthesia then a thin flexible tube is threaded down the esophagus into the stomach. The doctor can see if there is an ulcer due to the small camera which is fitted with the endoscope.
- Barium meal – When endoscopy is not available, this test is performed by drinking a chalky liquid and an x-ray is done which shows the lining of the stomach. This type of test is seldom performed nowadays.
- Biopsy – During an endoscopy, a small tissue sample is taken and tested in a laboratory.
- C14breath test – This test is performed by swallowing an amount of radioactive carbon or C14 and then testing the air that is exhaled from the lungs. This will determine the presence of H. pylori.
Perforated stomach ulcer in elderly patients occur more on women than in men.