About Small Bowel Perforation Repair
Key Highlights
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Addresses a life-threatening abdominal emergency to prevent sepsis.Performed by specialized Surgical Gastroenterologists with expertise in intestinal surgery.Can often be done using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques for faster recovery.Aims to remove infected material and repair the intestine to restore normal function.Timely surgery significantly improves survival rates and long-term outcomes.
Who is this surgery for?
- Traumatic injury to the abdomen (e.g., from an accident).
- Complications of untreated or severe bowel obstructions.
- Perforation due to inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease.
- Perforation from advanced intestinal cancers or tumors.
- Complication of certain medical procedures like endoscopy or prior abdominal surgery.
- Severe infections or conditions like typhoid fever affecting the bowel wall.
- Ischemic bowel disease where blood supply is cut off, leading to tissue death and perforation.
How to prepare
- Emergency stabilization with intravenous (IV) fluids and antibiotics.
- Imaging tests like a CT scan of the abdomen to confirm the diagnosis and locate the perforation.
- Insertion of a nasogastric (NG) tube to decompress the stomach.
- Blood tests to assess infection and overall health status.
- In non-emergency planned cases, bowel preparation (cleansing) may be advised.
- Discussion of medical history, allergies, and current medications with the surgical team.
- Informed consent process explaining the procedure, risks, and alternatives.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or within the abdomen (abscess).
- Bleeding during or after the procedure.
- Formation of scar tissue leading to future bowel obstructions (adhesions).
- Leakage from the surgical repair site, requiring further intervention.
- Damage to nearby organs or structures.
- Reactions to anesthesia.
- Development of an enterocutaneous fistula (an abnormal connection between the bowel and skin).
- Risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the hospital with pain management and IV antibiotics.
- The nasogastric tube remains until bowel function (sounds and passing gas) returns.
- Gradual advancement from IV fluids to clear liquids, then to a soft diet.
- Early mobilization (walking) is encouraged to prevent complications.
- Incision care instructions will be provided upon discharge.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove any staples or sutures.
- Temporary activity restrictions, especially heavy lifting, for several weeks.
- Nutritional guidance may be provided to support healing.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 2-3 months for full recovery and return to strenuous activities
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering small bowel 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 small bowel 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 small bowel perforation repair compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 1,652 – USD 4,955 | 7-14 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 2-3 months for full recovery and return to strenuous activities | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 12,293 – USD 36,880 | 7-14 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 2-3 months for full recovery and return to strenuous activities | Know More |
Aarav Miller, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Aarav Miller, a 28-year-old software engineer and avid rock climber, had been managing Crohn's disease since his late teens. After a period of intense stress at work, he experienced a sudden, excruciating abdominal pain that was far worse than his usual flares. He had a fever, and his abdomen became rigid and tender. A CT scan in the ER revealed a small bowel perforation, a known but serious complication of his condition. His surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Chen, explained that the leak was causing a life-threatening infection and required immediate laparoscopic repair to close the hole and clean the abdominal cavity. Terrified that this would end his active lifestyle, Aarav underwent surgery. The procedure was successful, and after a week in the hospital on IV antibiotics and a gradual return to a liquid diet, he was discharged. His recovery at home was slow but steady over six weeks. Emotionally, he swung from fear and frustration at his body's betrayal to profound gratitude for the surgical team. The experience forced him to prioritize stress management and listen more closely to his body's signals, giving him a new sense of resilience and control over his chronic illness.