About Gastric Perforation Repair
Key Highlights
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Life-saving emergency intervention for a critical abdominal condition.Can often be performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques for reduced scarring and pain.Aims to control infection by cleaning the abdominal cavity (lavage).Prevents the progression of peritonitis and systemic sepsis.Performed by specialized surgical gastroenterologists with expertise in upper GI emergencies.
Who is this surgery for?
- Perforated peptic ulcer (most common cause).
- Traumatic injury to the abdomen (e.g., from blunt force or penetrating wounds).
- Complication of endoscopic procedures (e.g., during biopsy or polyp removal).
- Gastric cancer eroding through the stomach wall.
- Severe infections or rare conditions like Boerhaave's syndrome affecting the stomach.
- Clinical signs of acute abdomen with evidence of free air under the diaphragm on an X-ray or CT scan.
How to prepare
- Immediate stabilization in the emergency department with intravenous (IV) fluids and antibiotics.
- Insertion of a nasogastric (NG) tube to decompress the stomach.
- Rapid pre-operative blood tests, imaging (X-ray, CT scan), and ECG.
- Informed consent process explaining the urgent nature of the surgery.
- Administration of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics to combat infection.
- Nil by mouth (NPO) status from the time of diagnosis.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or within the abdomen (abscess).
- Leakage from the repair site, requiring further intervention.
- Bleeding during or after the procedure.
- Formation of scar tissue (adhesions) causing future bowel obstruction.
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Persistent intra-abdominal infection or sepsis.
- Potential need for a temporary or permanent stoma in rare, complex cases.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or high-dependency ward for close monitoring.
- Pain management with IV and later oral medications.
- Nasogastric tube remains until bowel function returns, followed by a gradual transition from liquids to a soft diet.
- Continued intravenous antibiotics as prescribed.
- Incision care and instructions on keeping the surgical site clean and dry.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing, manage underlying ulcer disease (often with medication), and remove sutures/staples.
- Gradual increase in physical activity as tolerated, avoiding heavy lifting for several weeks.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for basic activities; 2-3 months for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering gastric perforation repair in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with surgical gastroenterology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform gastric perforation repair. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for gastric perforation repair compare across other countries where we have data.
Angel Miller, a 28-year-old freelance graphic...
Angel Miller, a 28-year-old freelance graphic designer and avid rock climber, had been managing occasional stomach pain for years, attributing it to stress and a fast-food diet. The pain became severe and unrelenting one evening after a climbing session, radiating to her shoulder. Rushed to the ER, a CT scan revealed a perforated gastric ulcer, likely exacerbated by long-term use of over-the-counter NSAIDs for climbing injuries. The surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Evans, explained that the hole in her stomach wall was leaking digestive fluids into her abdomen, causing a life-threatening infection (peritonitis) that required immediate laparoscopic repair. Angel was terrified; her active, independent lifestyle felt threatened. The surgery was successful, and after two days in the hospital on IV antibiotics and a liquid diet, she began a slow recovery. She followed a strict bland diet for weeks and attended follow-ups diligently. Six months later, fully healed and on ulcer-prevention medication, she was back to climbing, but with a new mindfulness about her body's signals. The experience transformed her fear into profound gratitude and a commitment to preventative health.