Definition of Gastrointestinal perforation:

Gastrointestinal perforation is a hole that passes through the entire wall of the stomach, small intestine or large bowel. This condition is a medical emergency.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Gastrointestinal perforation can be caused by a variety of illnesses, including appendicitis, diverticulitis, ulcer disease, Crohn's disease, and less commonly, infections of the bowel, such as infectious colitis.

Perforation of the intestine leads to leakage of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity. This causes an inflammation called peritonitis.