Perforation
A perforation is a hole in the wall of the digestive tract. A perforation may occur anywhere in the digestive tract and may occur when:
- A crater-shaped sore (ulcer) erodes through the wall of the stomach or a section of intestine.
- An infection in the appendix erodes through the wall of the appendix.
- An infection of an abnormal pouch or sac in the intestine (diverticulum) erodes through the wall of a section of the bowel.
- A swallowed object punctures the digestive tract.
A perforation of the digestive tract can be life-threatening. It can cause severe pain and bleeding. The material inside the intestines can leak into the hollow space of the abdomen (abdominal cavity) and cause an infection (peritonitis). Emergency surgery is needed when a perforation has occurred.
Proctitis is defined as inflammation of the anus (the opening) and lining of your rectum (lower part of the intestine leading to the anus). Symptoms of proctitis can vary greatly. You may at first have only minor problems. Proctitis affects the last 6 inches of the rectum and can cause the following: Pain during a bowel movement Soreness in your anal and rectal area Feeling that you didn't completely empty your bowels after a bowel movement Involuntary spasms and cramping during...
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