Definition
A perforation of the stomach is called a gastric perforation in medical jargon. It causes a sudden tearing of the stomach wall and a hole is created. Through this hole, the stomach contents enter the free abdominal cavity.
The caustic stomach acid irritates the peritoneum and peritonitis develops rapidly. The most common cause of a perforation of the stomach is the stomach ulcer. A distinction is made between open perforation and covered perforation. Here, too, a hole is suddenly created in the stomach wall, but the hole is covered by other structures in the abdominal cavity so that this type of perforation is less acute. A perforation of the stomach is a life-threatening disease that usually requires immediate surgery and intensive medical care.
Causes
The most common cause of a perforation of the stomach is a stomach ulcer. The peptic ulcer causes inflammatory damage to the stomach lining. This is usually caused by an excess of gastric acid and a lack of a protective film for the mucous membrane.
The inner stomach wall is attacked by the gastric acid and becomes thinner and thinner. This increases the risk of the stomach wall breaking through. Many stomach ulcers are caused by the intake of certain painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without the additional intake of a stomach protector such as Pantozol®.
A rarer cause of a perforation of the stomach wall is stomach cancer (gastric cancer). The cancer eats into the stomach wall, so to speak, and thus – similar to the ulcer – causes the wall to thin out, increasing the risk of a stomach perforation. In rare cases, a perforation of the stomach occurs during a gastroscopy.
The device with which the gastroscopy is performed (gastroscope) inadvertently pierces the stomach wall. Extensive burns in the area of the stomach can also lead to a perforation. Alcohol in itself is not a direct trigger for a perforation of the stomach.
However, alcohol is considered a probable risk factor for the development of stomach cancer (gastric cancer). The development of a stomach ulcer can also probably be promoted by regular consumption of high-proof alcohol. In this respect, alcohol can indirectly be regarded as a risk factor for the development of gastric cancer.
