What Is Ruptured Abdominal Viscus?

A perforated viscus, also known as intestinal or bowel perforation

, is a full-thickness disruption of the intestinal wall, with subsequent leakage of enteric contents into the peritoneal cavity, resulting in a systemic inflammatory response, peritonitis, and possibly sepsis.

Is perforated viscus serious?

Treatment of bowel perforation usually requires IV (intravenous) antibiotics and fluids as well. A perforated bowel is a medical emergency. Left untreated, it can quickly lead to sepsis, organ failure, shock, and even death.

How do you treat perforated viscus?

Common empiric regimens for abdominal sources include: ciprofloxacin + metronidazole, ceftriaxone + metronidazole, piperacillin/tazobactam, or imipenem. Definitive management of perforated viscus requires general surgery intervention.