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DISSERTATION SUBMITTED FOR
DNB
( GENERAL SURGERY )
A STUDY OF SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF
DUODENAL amp SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
STUDY AT WANLESS HOSPITAL MIRAJ
NAME OF INSTITUTE
WANLESS HOSPITAL
MIRAJ MEDICAL CENTRE
MIRAJ SANGLI
MAHARASHTRA
NAME - DR ABHIJIT ANIL WHATKAR
SUBJECT - DNB GENERAL SURGERY
DURATION 3 YEARS
1st JULY-AUG 2010 TO 31st JULY2010
REGISTRATION NO
INSTITUTE WANLESS HOSPITAL MIRAJ
TOPIC STUDY OF SURGICAL MANAGEMANT OF DUODENAL amp SMALL BOWEL
PERFORATION
STUDY AT WANLESS HOSPITAL MIRAJ
NAME OF GUIDE Dr TBMORE
MSGENERAL SURGERY
Dr TBMORE
DNB GUIDE
GENERAL SURGERY
WANLESS HOSPITAL
MIRAJ
Dr DMKAMLE Dr DMKAMLE
HEAD OF DEPT DIRECTOR
SURGERY WANLESS HOSPITAL
WANLESS HOSPITAL MIRAJ
MIRAJ
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ARDS - Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
ATT - Anti Tubercular Treatment
CD - Crohnrsquos disease
CT - Computerised Tomography
DIC - Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
GI - Gastrointestinal
GIT - Gastro intestinal Tract
MODS - Multi Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
MOF - Multi Organ Failure
Perf - Perforation
RPM - Right Paramedian
S Creat - Serum Creatinine
SIRS - Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
TB - Tuberculosis
WI - Wound Infection
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered problem in surgical practice There are
different modes of presentation of cases which can be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is
necessary to know the current surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case An
effort has been made here to know the different modes of presentation diagnosis and management of
perforation pre operative amp post operative And a special attention has been given to the time between the
operation and pre-operative time for resuscitation
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A prospective study of 50 patients presenting to Wanless Hospital with a clinical diagnosis
of Small bowel perforation between August 2010 and July 2011 is done The clinical data the
investigations done and the surgical procedure undertaken are recorded according to the proforma
decided
OBSERVATIONS
Pain abdomen was the presenting complaint of all the patients followed by Vomiting (76)
Fever (46) and Distension (44) Diagnosis was made clinically with guarding and rigidity being
present in 84 cases and obliteration of liver dullness in 42 cases Erect abdomen X-ray showed air
under diaphragm in 70 cases
Right Para median incision was employed in 50 of cases The most common cause of
Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation Tubercular perforation was the most common cause of ileal
perforation
Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure Patients were followed up in
the post operative period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases (34)
Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases
CONCLUSIONS
Pain abdomen (100) is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel
perforation followed by vomitingfever abdominal distension and constipation Erect abdomen X-ray and
USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in perforation
Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed The most common
complication in this series was wound infection Mortality rate in our study was 10
KEY WORDS Small bowel Perforation Management Mortality Morbidity
CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Aims and objectives
3 Review of literature
4 Anatomy
5 Physiology
6 Pathophysiology
7 Material methods and observation
8 Discussion
9 Summary
10 Conclusions
11 Performa
12 Bibliography
13 Master chart
14 Abbreviations
INTRODUCTION
Perforation of the small bowel especially terminal ileum is a common abdominal emergency faced
by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes comprises the
majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic1
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The ileum is the main site of
perforation 2
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-operative
intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient 3
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and
various surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our setup
AIMS amp OBJECTIVES
1 To study the various causes of small bowel perforation
2 To study various clinical features of small bowel perforation
3 To study various diagnostic modalities especially X-ray abdomen erect
4 To study various surgical procedures amp outcomes
5 To study post surgical complications amp management
6 To study outcomes after certain time of resuscitation
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The Hippocratic facies seen in terminal stages of peritonitis was described by hippocrates in 460
BC 4
Aristotle was the first to discribe intestinal injury as consequence of blunt abdominal trauma 5
Singhai et al showed that ileo-caecal region was a commonest site of involvement in abdominal
tuberculosis 6
Bhansali et al in 1968 reported that closure of tubercular perforation with or without bypass has been show
to give poor results and hence resection and anastomosis recommended 7
Das PShukla in 1968 showed that abdominal tuberculosis was 2 to 3 times more common in females 8
Nair SK in 1981 reported maximum morbidity in the form of wound infection in 52 of the patients
followed by fecal fistula (16) septicemia (8) respiratory infections (4) 9
Beniwal Uday Singh in 2003 concluded that repair of the typhoid perforation is better procedure than
temporary ileostomy in enteric perforation due to its cost effectiveness and absence of complications
related to ileostomy 10
Ileostomy and ileo transverse bypass should be considered as a treatment option in patients with unhealthy
gut
3
GROSS ANATOMY
The length of the alimentary tract in normal humans averages about 453 cm from
the nose to the anus The duodenum is approximately 21 cm long and the colon is
approximately 109 cm long The combined length of the jejunum and ileum is 261 cm
or about three fifths of the entire canal 11 The jejunum begins at the duodenojejunal
angle supported by the ligament of Treitz The jejunum constitutes the proximal two
fifths of the small intestine and the ileum makes up the distal three fifths however there
is no clear demarcation between jejunum and ileum The small intestine which decreases
in luminal diameter as it proceeds distally is convoluted or folded upon itself to occupy
the central and lower part of the abdominal cavity it is enclosed laterally and superiorly
by the colon 12
Figure 1 Mucosa and Musculature of Jejunum
Figure 2 Mucosa and Musculature of Ileum
Mesentery
The mesentery a large fold of peritoneum suspends the small intestine from the
posterior abdominal wall The base of the mesentery attaches to the posterior abdominal
wall to the left of the second lumbar vertebra and passes obliquely to the right and
inferiorly to the right sacroiliac joint The mesentery contains blood vessels nerves
lymphatics and lymph nodes as well as considerable fat It attaches to the small intestine
along the length of one side the mesenteric border leaving the remainder of the surface
of the bowel covered by its visceral peritoneum the serosa The broad-based attachment
of the mesenteric base stabilizes the small bowel and prevents it from twisting upon its
blood supply
Blood Supply
The small intestine receives its blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery
the second large branch of the abdominal aorta The superior mesenteric artery courses
anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third portion of the duodenum
where it divides to supply the pancreas duodenum and entire small intestine as well as
the ascending and transverse colon The intestinal arteries branch within the mesentery to
unite with adjacent arteries to form a series of arterial arcades before sending small
straight arteries to the small intestine The intestinal arteries contact the small intestine on
the mesenteric border where they pass toward the antimesenteric border sending small
branches into the layers of the intestine The veins of the small intestine drain into the
superior mesenteric vein a major tributary to the portal vein
Lymphatics
Peyers patches are lymph nodules aggregated in the submucosa of the small
intestine These lymphatic nodules are most abundant in the ileum but the jejunum also
contains them The lymphatic drainage from the small intestine passes into three sets of
mesenteric nodes a first set close to the wall of the small intestine a second set adjacent
to the mesenteric arcades and a third set along the trunk of the superior mesenteric
artery The superior mesenteric preaortic group drains into the intestinal trunk which
drains into the cisterna chyli The lymphatic drainage of the small intestine constitutes a
major route for transport of absorbed lipid into the circulation
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
NAME - DR ABHIJIT ANIL WHATKAR
SUBJECT - DNB GENERAL SURGERY
DURATION 3 YEARS
1st JULY-AUG 2010 TO 31st JULY2010
REGISTRATION NO
INSTITUTE WANLESS HOSPITAL MIRAJ
TOPIC STUDY OF SURGICAL MANAGEMANT OF DUODENAL amp SMALL BOWEL
PERFORATION
STUDY AT WANLESS HOSPITAL MIRAJ
NAME OF GUIDE Dr TBMORE
MSGENERAL SURGERY
Dr TBMORE
DNB GUIDE
GENERAL SURGERY
WANLESS HOSPITAL
MIRAJ
Dr DMKAMLE Dr DMKAMLE
HEAD OF DEPT DIRECTOR
SURGERY WANLESS HOSPITAL
WANLESS HOSPITAL MIRAJ
MIRAJ
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ARDS - Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
ATT - Anti Tubercular Treatment
CD - Crohnrsquos disease
CT - Computerised Tomography
DIC - Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
GI - Gastrointestinal
GIT - Gastro intestinal Tract
MODS - Multi Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
MOF - Multi Organ Failure
Perf - Perforation
RPM - Right Paramedian
S Creat - Serum Creatinine
SIRS - Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
TB - Tuberculosis
WI - Wound Infection
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered problem in surgical practice There are
different modes of presentation of cases which can be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is
necessary to know the current surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case An
effort has been made here to know the different modes of presentation diagnosis and management of
perforation pre operative amp post operative And a special attention has been given to the time between the
operation and pre-operative time for resuscitation
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A prospective study of 50 patients presenting to Wanless Hospital with a clinical diagnosis
of Small bowel perforation between August 2010 and July 2011 is done The clinical data the
investigations done and the surgical procedure undertaken are recorded according to the proforma
decided
OBSERVATIONS
Pain abdomen was the presenting complaint of all the patients followed by Vomiting (76)
Fever (46) and Distension (44) Diagnosis was made clinically with guarding and rigidity being
present in 84 cases and obliteration of liver dullness in 42 cases Erect abdomen X-ray showed air
under diaphragm in 70 cases
Right Para median incision was employed in 50 of cases The most common cause of
Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation Tubercular perforation was the most common cause of ileal
perforation
Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure Patients were followed up in
the post operative period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases (34)
Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases
CONCLUSIONS
Pain abdomen (100) is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel
perforation followed by vomitingfever abdominal distension and constipation Erect abdomen X-ray and
USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in perforation
Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed The most common
complication in this series was wound infection Mortality rate in our study was 10
KEY WORDS Small bowel Perforation Management Mortality Morbidity
CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Aims and objectives
3 Review of literature
4 Anatomy
5 Physiology
6 Pathophysiology
7 Material methods and observation
8 Discussion
9 Summary
10 Conclusions
11 Performa
12 Bibliography
13 Master chart
14 Abbreviations
INTRODUCTION
Perforation of the small bowel especially terminal ileum is a common abdominal emergency faced
by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes comprises the
majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic1
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The ileum is the main site of
perforation 2
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-operative
intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient 3
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and
various surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our setup
AIMS amp OBJECTIVES
1 To study the various causes of small bowel perforation
2 To study various clinical features of small bowel perforation
3 To study various diagnostic modalities especially X-ray abdomen erect
4 To study various surgical procedures amp outcomes
5 To study post surgical complications amp management
6 To study outcomes after certain time of resuscitation
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The Hippocratic facies seen in terminal stages of peritonitis was described by hippocrates in 460
BC 4
Aristotle was the first to discribe intestinal injury as consequence of blunt abdominal trauma 5
Singhai et al showed that ileo-caecal region was a commonest site of involvement in abdominal
tuberculosis 6
Bhansali et al in 1968 reported that closure of tubercular perforation with or without bypass has been show
to give poor results and hence resection and anastomosis recommended 7
Das PShukla in 1968 showed that abdominal tuberculosis was 2 to 3 times more common in females 8
Nair SK in 1981 reported maximum morbidity in the form of wound infection in 52 of the patients
followed by fecal fistula (16) septicemia (8) respiratory infections (4) 9
Beniwal Uday Singh in 2003 concluded that repair of the typhoid perforation is better procedure than
temporary ileostomy in enteric perforation due to its cost effectiveness and absence of complications
related to ileostomy 10
Ileostomy and ileo transverse bypass should be considered as a treatment option in patients with unhealthy
gut
3
GROSS ANATOMY
The length of the alimentary tract in normal humans averages about 453 cm from
the nose to the anus The duodenum is approximately 21 cm long and the colon is
approximately 109 cm long The combined length of the jejunum and ileum is 261 cm
or about three fifths of the entire canal 11 The jejunum begins at the duodenojejunal
angle supported by the ligament of Treitz The jejunum constitutes the proximal two
fifths of the small intestine and the ileum makes up the distal three fifths however there
is no clear demarcation between jejunum and ileum The small intestine which decreases
in luminal diameter as it proceeds distally is convoluted or folded upon itself to occupy
the central and lower part of the abdominal cavity it is enclosed laterally and superiorly
by the colon 12
Figure 1 Mucosa and Musculature of Jejunum
Figure 2 Mucosa and Musculature of Ileum
Mesentery
The mesentery a large fold of peritoneum suspends the small intestine from the
posterior abdominal wall The base of the mesentery attaches to the posterior abdominal
wall to the left of the second lumbar vertebra and passes obliquely to the right and
inferiorly to the right sacroiliac joint The mesentery contains blood vessels nerves
lymphatics and lymph nodes as well as considerable fat It attaches to the small intestine
along the length of one side the mesenteric border leaving the remainder of the surface
of the bowel covered by its visceral peritoneum the serosa The broad-based attachment
of the mesenteric base stabilizes the small bowel and prevents it from twisting upon its
blood supply
Blood Supply
The small intestine receives its blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery
the second large branch of the abdominal aorta The superior mesenteric artery courses
anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third portion of the duodenum
where it divides to supply the pancreas duodenum and entire small intestine as well as
the ascending and transverse colon The intestinal arteries branch within the mesentery to
unite with adjacent arteries to form a series of arterial arcades before sending small
straight arteries to the small intestine The intestinal arteries contact the small intestine on
the mesenteric border where they pass toward the antimesenteric border sending small
branches into the layers of the intestine The veins of the small intestine drain into the
superior mesenteric vein a major tributary to the portal vein
Lymphatics
Peyers patches are lymph nodules aggregated in the submucosa of the small
intestine These lymphatic nodules are most abundant in the ileum but the jejunum also
contains them The lymphatic drainage from the small intestine passes into three sets of
mesenteric nodes a first set close to the wall of the small intestine a second set adjacent
to the mesenteric arcades and a third set along the trunk of the superior mesenteric
artery The superior mesenteric preaortic group drains into the intestinal trunk which
drains into the cisterna chyli The lymphatic drainage of the small intestine constitutes a
major route for transport of absorbed lipid into the circulation
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Dr TBMORE
DNB GUIDE
GENERAL SURGERY
WANLESS HOSPITAL
MIRAJ
Dr DMKAMLE Dr DMKAMLE
HEAD OF DEPT DIRECTOR
SURGERY WANLESS HOSPITAL
WANLESS HOSPITAL MIRAJ
MIRAJ
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ARDS - Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
ATT - Anti Tubercular Treatment
CD - Crohnrsquos disease
CT - Computerised Tomography
DIC - Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
GI - Gastrointestinal
GIT - Gastro intestinal Tract
MODS - Multi Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
MOF - Multi Organ Failure
Perf - Perforation
RPM - Right Paramedian
S Creat - Serum Creatinine
SIRS - Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
TB - Tuberculosis
WI - Wound Infection
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered problem in surgical practice There are
different modes of presentation of cases which can be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is
necessary to know the current surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case An
effort has been made here to know the different modes of presentation diagnosis and management of
perforation pre operative amp post operative And a special attention has been given to the time between the
operation and pre-operative time for resuscitation
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A prospective study of 50 patients presenting to Wanless Hospital with a clinical diagnosis
of Small bowel perforation between August 2010 and July 2011 is done The clinical data the
investigations done and the surgical procedure undertaken are recorded according to the proforma
decided
OBSERVATIONS
Pain abdomen was the presenting complaint of all the patients followed by Vomiting (76)
Fever (46) and Distension (44) Diagnosis was made clinically with guarding and rigidity being
present in 84 cases and obliteration of liver dullness in 42 cases Erect abdomen X-ray showed air
under diaphragm in 70 cases
Right Para median incision was employed in 50 of cases The most common cause of
Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation Tubercular perforation was the most common cause of ileal
perforation
Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure Patients were followed up in
the post operative period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases (34)
Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases
CONCLUSIONS
Pain abdomen (100) is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel
perforation followed by vomitingfever abdominal distension and constipation Erect abdomen X-ray and
USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in perforation
Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed The most common
complication in this series was wound infection Mortality rate in our study was 10
KEY WORDS Small bowel Perforation Management Mortality Morbidity
CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Aims and objectives
3 Review of literature
4 Anatomy
5 Physiology
6 Pathophysiology
7 Material methods and observation
8 Discussion
9 Summary
10 Conclusions
11 Performa
12 Bibliography
13 Master chart
14 Abbreviations
INTRODUCTION
Perforation of the small bowel especially terminal ileum is a common abdominal emergency faced
by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes comprises the
majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic1
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The ileum is the main site of
perforation 2
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-operative
intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient 3
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and
various surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our setup
AIMS amp OBJECTIVES
1 To study the various causes of small bowel perforation
2 To study various clinical features of small bowel perforation
3 To study various diagnostic modalities especially X-ray abdomen erect
4 To study various surgical procedures amp outcomes
5 To study post surgical complications amp management
6 To study outcomes after certain time of resuscitation
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The Hippocratic facies seen in terminal stages of peritonitis was described by hippocrates in 460
BC 4
Aristotle was the first to discribe intestinal injury as consequence of blunt abdominal trauma 5
Singhai et al showed that ileo-caecal region was a commonest site of involvement in abdominal
tuberculosis 6
Bhansali et al in 1968 reported that closure of tubercular perforation with or without bypass has been show
to give poor results and hence resection and anastomosis recommended 7
Das PShukla in 1968 showed that abdominal tuberculosis was 2 to 3 times more common in females 8
Nair SK in 1981 reported maximum morbidity in the form of wound infection in 52 of the patients
followed by fecal fistula (16) septicemia (8) respiratory infections (4) 9
Beniwal Uday Singh in 2003 concluded that repair of the typhoid perforation is better procedure than
temporary ileostomy in enteric perforation due to its cost effectiveness and absence of complications
related to ileostomy 10
Ileostomy and ileo transverse bypass should be considered as a treatment option in patients with unhealthy
gut
3
GROSS ANATOMY
The length of the alimentary tract in normal humans averages about 453 cm from
the nose to the anus The duodenum is approximately 21 cm long and the colon is
approximately 109 cm long The combined length of the jejunum and ileum is 261 cm
or about three fifths of the entire canal 11 The jejunum begins at the duodenojejunal
angle supported by the ligament of Treitz The jejunum constitutes the proximal two
fifths of the small intestine and the ileum makes up the distal three fifths however there
is no clear demarcation between jejunum and ileum The small intestine which decreases
in luminal diameter as it proceeds distally is convoluted or folded upon itself to occupy
the central and lower part of the abdominal cavity it is enclosed laterally and superiorly
by the colon 12
Figure 1 Mucosa and Musculature of Jejunum
Figure 2 Mucosa and Musculature of Ileum
Mesentery
The mesentery a large fold of peritoneum suspends the small intestine from the
posterior abdominal wall The base of the mesentery attaches to the posterior abdominal
wall to the left of the second lumbar vertebra and passes obliquely to the right and
inferiorly to the right sacroiliac joint The mesentery contains blood vessels nerves
lymphatics and lymph nodes as well as considerable fat It attaches to the small intestine
along the length of one side the mesenteric border leaving the remainder of the surface
of the bowel covered by its visceral peritoneum the serosa The broad-based attachment
of the mesenteric base stabilizes the small bowel and prevents it from twisting upon its
blood supply
Blood Supply
The small intestine receives its blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery
the second large branch of the abdominal aorta The superior mesenteric artery courses
anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third portion of the duodenum
where it divides to supply the pancreas duodenum and entire small intestine as well as
the ascending and transverse colon The intestinal arteries branch within the mesentery to
unite with adjacent arteries to form a series of arterial arcades before sending small
straight arteries to the small intestine The intestinal arteries contact the small intestine on
the mesenteric border where they pass toward the antimesenteric border sending small
branches into the layers of the intestine The veins of the small intestine drain into the
superior mesenteric vein a major tributary to the portal vein
Lymphatics
Peyers patches are lymph nodules aggregated in the submucosa of the small
intestine These lymphatic nodules are most abundant in the ileum but the jejunum also
contains them The lymphatic drainage from the small intestine passes into three sets of
mesenteric nodes a first set close to the wall of the small intestine a second set adjacent
to the mesenteric arcades and a third set along the trunk of the superior mesenteric
artery The superior mesenteric preaortic group drains into the intestinal trunk which
drains into the cisterna chyli The lymphatic drainage of the small intestine constitutes a
major route for transport of absorbed lipid into the circulation
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ARDS - Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
ATT - Anti Tubercular Treatment
CD - Crohnrsquos disease
CT - Computerised Tomography
DIC - Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
GI - Gastrointestinal
GIT - Gastro intestinal Tract
MODS - Multi Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
MOF - Multi Organ Failure
Perf - Perforation
RPM - Right Paramedian
S Creat - Serum Creatinine
SIRS - Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
TB - Tuberculosis
WI - Wound Infection
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered problem in surgical practice There are
different modes of presentation of cases which can be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is
necessary to know the current surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case An
effort has been made here to know the different modes of presentation diagnosis and management of
perforation pre operative amp post operative And a special attention has been given to the time between the
operation and pre-operative time for resuscitation
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A prospective study of 50 patients presenting to Wanless Hospital with a clinical diagnosis
of Small bowel perforation between August 2010 and July 2011 is done The clinical data the
investigations done and the surgical procedure undertaken are recorded according to the proforma
decided
OBSERVATIONS
Pain abdomen was the presenting complaint of all the patients followed by Vomiting (76)
Fever (46) and Distension (44) Diagnosis was made clinically with guarding and rigidity being
present in 84 cases and obliteration of liver dullness in 42 cases Erect abdomen X-ray showed air
under diaphragm in 70 cases
Right Para median incision was employed in 50 of cases The most common cause of
Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation Tubercular perforation was the most common cause of ileal
perforation
Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure Patients were followed up in
the post operative period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases (34)
Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases
CONCLUSIONS
Pain abdomen (100) is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel
perforation followed by vomitingfever abdominal distension and constipation Erect abdomen X-ray and
USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in perforation
Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed The most common
complication in this series was wound infection Mortality rate in our study was 10
KEY WORDS Small bowel Perforation Management Mortality Morbidity
CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Aims and objectives
3 Review of literature
4 Anatomy
5 Physiology
6 Pathophysiology
7 Material methods and observation
8 Discussion
9 Summary
10 Conclusions
11 Performa
12 Bibliography
13 Master chart
14 Abbreviations
INTRODUCTION
Perforation of the small bowel especially terminal ileum is a common abdominal emergency faced
by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes comprises the
majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic1
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The ileum is the main site of
perforation 2
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-operative
intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient 3
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and
various surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our setup
AIMS amp OBJECTIVES
1 To study the various causes of small bowel perforation
2 To study various clinical features of small bowel perforation
3 To study various diagnostic modalities especially X-ray abdomen erect
4 To study various surgical procedures amp outcomes
5 To study post surgical complications amp management
6 To study outcomes after certain time of resuscitation
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The Hippocratic facies seen in terminal stages of peritonitis was described by hippocrates in 460
BC 4
Aristotle was the first to discribe intestinal injury as consequence of blunt abdominal trauma 5
Singhai et al showed that ileo-caecal region was a commonest site of involvement in abdominal
tuberculosis 6
Bhansali et al in 1968 reported that closure of tubercular perforation with or without bypass has been show
to give poor results and hence resection and anastomosis recommended 7
Das PShukla in 1968 showed that abdominal tuberculosis was 2 to 3 times more common in females 8
Nair SK in 1981 reported maximum morbidity in the form of wound infection in 52 of the patients
followed by fecal fistula (16) septicemia (8) respiratory infections (4) 9
Beniwal Uday Singh in 2003 concluded that repair of the typhoid perforation is better procedure than
temporary ileostomy in enteric perforation due to its cost effectiveness and absence of complications
related to ileostomy 10
Ileostomy and ileo transverse bypass should be considered as a treatment option in patients with unhealthy
gut
3
GROSS ANATOMY
The length of the alimentary tract in normal humans averages about 453 cm from
the nose to the anus The duodenum is approximately 21 cm long and the colon is
approximately 109 cm long The combined length of the jejunum and ileum is 261 cm
or about three fifths of the entire canal 11 The jejunum begins at the duodenojejunal
angle supported by the ligament of Treitz The jejunum constitutes the proximal two
fifths of the small intestine and the ileum makes up the distal three fifths however there
is no clear demarcation between jejunum and ileum The small intestine which decreases
in luminal diameter as it proceeds distally is convoluted or folded upon itself to occupy
the central and lower part of the abdominal cavity it is enclosed laterally and superiorly
by the colon 12
Figure 1 Mucosa and Musculature of Jejunum
Figure 2 Mucosa and Musculature of Ileum
Mesentery
The mesentery a large fold of peritoneum suspends the small intestine from the
posterior abdominal wall The base of the mesentery attaches to the posterior abdominal
wall to the left of the second lumbar vertebra and passes obliquely to the right and
inferiorly to the right sacroiliac joint The mesentery contains blood vessels nerves
lymphatics and lymph nodes as well as considerable fat It attaches to the small intestine
along the length of one side the mesenteric border leaving the remainder of the surface
of the bowel covered by its visceral peritoneum the serosa The broad-based attachment
of the mesenteric base stabilizes the small bowel and prevents it from twisting upon its
blood supply
Blood Supply
The small intestine receives its blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery
the second large branch of the abdominal aorta The superior mesenteric artery courses
anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third portion of the duodenum
where it divides to supply the pancreas duodenum and entire small intestine as well as
the ascending and transverse colon The intestinal arteries branch within the mesentery to
unite with adjacent arteries to form a series of arterial arcades before sending small
straight arteries to the small intestine The intestinal arteries contact the small intestine on
the mesenteric border where they pass toward the antimesenteric border sending small
branches into the layers of the intestine The veins of the small intestine drain into the
superior mesenteric vein a major tributary to the portal vein
Lymphatics
Peyers patches are lymph nodules aggregated in the submucosa of the small
intestine These lymphatic nodules are most abundant in the ileum but the jejunum also
contains them The lymphatic drainage from the small intestine passes into three sets of
mesenteric nodes a first set close to the wall of the small intestine a second set adjacent
to the mesenteric arcades and a third set along the trunk of the superior mesenteric
artery The superior mesenteric preaortic group drains into the intestinal trunk which
drains into the cisterna chyli The lymphatic drainage of the small intestine constitutes a
major route for transport of absorbed lipid into the circulation
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
S Creat - Serum Creatinine
SIRS - Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
TB - Tuberculosis
WI - Wound Infection
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered problem in surgical practice There are
different modes of presentation of cases which can be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is
necessary to know the current surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case An
effort has been made here to know the different modes of presentation diagnosis and management of
perforation pre operative amp post operative And a special attention has been given to the time between the
operation and pre-operative time for resuscitation
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A prospective study of 50 patients presenting to Wanless Hospital with a clinical diagnosis
of Small bowel perforation between August 2010 and July 2011 is done The clinical data the
investigations done and the surgical procedure undertaken are recorded according to the proforma
decided
OBSERVATIONS
Pain abdomen was the presenting complaint of all the patients followed by Vomiting (76)
Fever (46) and Distension (44) Diagnosis was made clinically with guarding and rigidity being
present in 84 cases and obliteration of liver dullness in 42 cases Erect abdomen X-ray showed air
under diaphragm in 70 cases
Right Para median incision was employed in 50 of cases The most common cause of
Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation Tubercular perforation was the most common cause of ileal
perforation
Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure Patients were followed up in
the post operative period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases (34)
Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases
CONCLUSIONS
Pain abdomen (100) is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel
perforation followed by vomitingfever abdominal distension and constipation Erect abdomen X-ray and
USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in perforation
Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed The most common
complication in this series was wound infection Mortality rate in our study was 10
KEY WORDS Small bowel Perforation Management Mortality Morbidity
CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Aims and objectives
3 Review of literature
4 Anatomy
5 Physiology
6 Pathophysiology
7 Material methods and observation
8 Discussion
9 Summary
10 Conclusions
11 Performa
12 Bibliography
13 Master chart
14 Abbreviations
INTRODUCTION
Perforation of the small bowel especially terminal ileum is a common abdominal emergency faced
by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes comprises the
majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic1
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The ileum is the main site of
perforation 2
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-operative
intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient 3
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and
various surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our setup
AIMS amp OBJECTIVES
1 To study the various causes of small bowel perforation
2 To study various clinical features of small bowel perforation
3 To study various diagnostic modalities especially X-ray abdomen erect
4 To study various surgical procedures amp outcomes
5 To study post surgical complications amp management
6 To study outcomes after certain time of resuscitation
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The Hippocratic facies seen in terminal stages of peritonitis was described by hippocrates in 460
BC 4
Aristotle was the first to discribe intestinal injury as consequence of blunt abdominal trauma 5
Singhai et al showed that ileo-caecal region was a commonest site of involvement in abdominal
tuberculosis 6
Bhansali et al in 1968 reported that closure of tubercular perforation with or without bypass has been show
to give poor results and hence resection and anastomosis recommended 7
Das PShukla in 1968 showed that abdominal tuberculosis was 2 to 3 times more common in females 8
Nair SK in 1981 reported maximum morbidity in the form of wound infection in 52 of the patients
followed by fecal fistula (16) septicemia (8) respiratory infections (4) 9
Beniwal Uday Singh in 2003 concluded that repair of the typhoid perforation is better procedure than
temporary ileostomy in enteric perforation due to its cost effectiveness and absence of complications
related to ileostomy 10
Ileostomy and ileo transverse bypass should be considered as a treatment option in patients with unhealthy
gut
3
GROSS ANATOMY
The length of the alimentary tract in normal humans averages about 453 cm from
the nose to the anus The duodenum is approximately 21 cm long and the colon is
approximately 109 cm long The combined length of the jejunum and ileum is 261 cm
or about three fifths of the entire canal 11 The jejunum begins at the duodenojejunal
angle supported by the ligament of Treitz The jejunum constitutes the proximal two
fifths of the small intestine and the ileum makes up the distal three fifths however there
is no clear demarcation between jejunum and ileum The small intestine which decreases
in luminal diameter as it proceeds distally is convoluted or folded upon itself to occupy
the central and lower part of the abdominal cavity it is enclosed laterally and superiorly
by the colon 12
Figure 1 Mucosa and Musculature of Jejunum
Figure 2 Mucosa and Musculature of Ileum
Mesentery
The mesentery a large fold of peritoneum suspends the small intestine from the
posterior abdominal wall The base of the mesentery attaches to the posterior abdominal
wall to the left of the second lumbar vertebra and passes obliquely to the right and
inferiorly to the right sacroiliac joint The mesentery contains blood vessels nerves
lymphatics and lymph nodes as well as considerable fat It attaches to the small intestine
along the length of one side the mesenteric border leaving the remainder of the surface
of the bowel covered by its visceral peritoneum the serosa The broad-based attachment
of the mesenteric base stabilizes the small bowel and prevents it from twisting upon its
blood supply
Blood Supply
The small intestine receives its blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery
the second large branch of the abdominal aorta The superior mesenteric artery courses
anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third portion of the duodenum
where it divides to supply the pancreas duodenum and entire small intestine as well as
the ascending and transverse colon The intestinal arteries branch within the mesentery to
unite with adjacent arteries to form a series of arterial arcades before sending small
straight arteries to the small intestine The intestinal arteries contact the small intestine on
the mesenteric border where they pass toward the antimesenteric border sending small
branches into the layers of the intestine The veins of the small intestine drain into the
superior mesenteric vein a major tributary to the portal vein
Lymphatics
Peyers patches are lymph nodules aggregated in the submucosa of the small
intestine These lymphatic nodules are most abundant in the ileum but the jejunum also
contains them The lymphatic drainage from the small intestine passes into three sets of
mesenteric nodes a first set close to the wall of the small intestine a second set adjacent
to the mesenteric arcades and a third set along the trunk of the superior mesenteric
artery The superior mesenteric preaortic group drains into the intestinal trunk which
drains into the cisterna chyli The lymphatic drainage of the small intestine constitutes a
major route for transport of absorbed lipid into the circulation
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered problem in surgical practice There are
different modes of presentation of cases which can be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is
necessary to know the current surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case An
effort has been made here to know the different modes of presentation diagnosis and management of
perforation pre operative amp post operative And a special attention has been given to the time between the
operation and pre-operative time for resuscitation
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A prospective study of 50 patients presenting to Wanless Hospital with a clinical diagnosis
of Small bowel perforation between August 2010 and July 2011 is done The clinical data the
investigations done and the surgical procedure undertaken are recorded according to the proforma
decided
OBSERVATIONS
Pain abdomen was the presenting complaint of all the patients followed by Vomiting (76)
Fever (46) and Distension (44) Diagnosis was made clinically with guarding and rigidity being
present in 84 cases and obliteration of liver dullness in 42 cases Erect abdomen X-ray showed air
under diaphragm in 70 cases
Right Para median incision was employed in 50 of cases The most common cause of
Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation Tubercular perforation was the most common cause of ileal
perforation
Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure Patients were followed up in
the post operative period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases (34)
Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases
CONCLUSIONS
Pain abdomen (100) is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel
perforation followed by vomitingfever abdominal distension and constipation Erect abdomen X-ray and
USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in perforation
Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed The most common
complication in this series was wound infection Mortality rate in our study was 10
KEY WORDS Small bowel Perforation Management Mortality Morbidity
CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Aims and objectives
3 Review of literature
4 Anatomy
5 Physiology
6 Pathophysiology
7 Material methods and observation
8 Discussion
9 Summary
10 Conclusions
11 Performa
12 Bibliography
13 Master chart
14 Abbreviations
INTRODUCTION
Perforation of the small bowel especially terminal ileum is a common abdominal emergency faced
by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes comprises the
majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic1
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The ileum is the main site of
perforation 2
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-operative
intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient 3
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and
various surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our setup
AIMS amp OBJECTIVES
1 To study the various causes of small bowel perforation
2 To study various clinical features of small bowel perforation
3 To study various diagnostic modalities especially X-ray abdomen erect
4 To study various surgical procedures amp outcomes
5 To study post surgical complications amp management
6 To study outcomes after certain time of resuscitation
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The Hippocratic facies seen in terminal stages of peritonitis was described by hippocrates in 460
BC 4
Aristotle was the first to discribe intestinal injury as consequence of blunt abdominal trauma 5
Singhai et al showed that ileo-caecal region was a commonest site of involvement in abdominal
tuberculosis 6
Bhansali et al in 1968 reported that closure of tubercular perforation with or without bypass has been show
to give poor results and hence resection and anastomosis recommended 7
Das PShukla in 1968 showed that abdominal tuberculosis was 2 to 3 times more common in females 8
Nair SK in 1981 reported maximum morbidity in the form of wound infection in 52 of the patients
followed by fecal fistula (16) septicemia (8) respiratory infections (4) 9
Beniwal Uday Singh in 2003 concluded that repair of the typhoid perforation is better procedure than
temporary ileostomy in enteric perforation due to its cost effectiveness and absence of complications
related to ileostomy 10
Ileostomy and ileo transverse bypass should be considered as a treatment option in patients with unhealthy
gut
3
GROSS ANATOMY
The length of the alimentary tract in normal humans averages about 453 cm from
the nose to the anus The duodenum is approximately 21 cm long and the colon is
approximately 109 cm long The combined length of the jejunum and ileum is 261 cm
or about three fifths of the entire canal 11 The jejunum begins at the duodenojejunal
angle supported by the ligament of Treitz The jejunum constitutes the proximal two
fifths of the small intestine and the ileum makes up the distal three fifths however there
is no clear demarcation between jejunum and ileum The small intestine which decreases
in luminal diameter as it proceeds distally is convoluted or folded upon itself to occupy
the central and lower part of the abdominal cavity it is enclosed laterally and superiorly
by the colon 12
Figure 1 Mucosa and Musculature of Jejunum
Figure 2 Mucosa and Musculature of Ileum
Mesentery
The mesentery a large fold of peritoneum suspends the small intestine from the
posterior abdominal wall The base of the mesentery attaches to the posterior abdominal
wall to the left of the second lumbar vertebra and passes obliquely to the right and
inferiorly to the right sacroiliac joint The mesentery contains blood vessels nerves
lymphatics and lymph nodes as well as considerable fat It attaches to the small intestine
along the length of one side the mesenteric border leaving the remainder of the surface
of the bowel covered by its visceral peritoneum the serosa The broad-based attachment
of the mesenteric base stabilizes the small bowel and prevents it from twisting upon its
blood supply
Blood Supply
The small intestine receives its blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery
the second large branch of the abdominal aorta The superior mesenteric artery courses
anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third portion of the duodenum
where it divides to supply the pancreas duodenum and entire small intestine as well as
the ascending and transverse colon The intestinal arteries branch within the mesentery to
unite with adjacent arteries to form a series of arterial arcades before sending small
straight arteries to the small intestine The intestinal arteries contact the small intestine on
the mesenteric border where they pass toward the antimesenteric border sending small
branches into the layers of the intestine The veins of the small intestine drain into the
superior mesenteric vein a major tributary to the portal vein
Lymphatics
Peyers patches are lymph nodules aggregated in the submucosa of the small
intestine These lymphatic nodules are most abundant in the ileum but the jejunum also
contains them The lymphatic drainage from the small intestine passes into three sets of
mesenteric nodes a first set close to the wall of the small intestine a second set adjacent
to the mesenteric arcades and a third set along the trunk of the superior mesenteric
artery The superior mesenteric preaortic group drains into the intestinal trunk which
drains into the cisterna chyli The lymphatic drainage of the small intestine constitutes a
major route for transport of absorbed lipid into the circulation
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure Patients were followed up in
the post operative period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases (34)
Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases
CONCLUSIONS
Pain abdomen (100) is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel
perforation followed by vomitingfever abdominal distension and constipation Erect abdomen X-ray and
USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in perforation
Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed The most common
complication in this series was wound infection Mortality rate in our study was 10
KEY WORDS Small bowel Perforation Management Mortality Morbidity
CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Aims and objectives
3 Review of literature
4 Anatomy
5 Physiology
6 Pathophysiology
7 Material methods and observation
8 Discussion
9 Summary
10 Conclusions
11 Performa
12 Bibliography
13 Master chart
14 Abbreviations
INTRODUCTION
Perforation of the small bowel especially terminal ileum is a common abdominal emergency faced
by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes comprises the
majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic1
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The ileum is the main site of
perforation 2
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-operative
intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient 3
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and
various surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our setup
AIMS amp OBJECTIVES
1 To study the various causes of small bowel perforation
2 To study various clinical features of small bowel perforation
3 To study various diagnostic modalities especially X-ray abdomen erect
4 To study various surgical procedures amp outcomes
5 To study post surgical complications amp management
6 To study outcomes after certain time of resuscitation
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The Hippocratic facies seen in terminal stages of peritonitis was described by hippocrates in 460
BC 4
Aristotle was the first to discribe intestinal injury as consequence of blunt abdominal trauma 5
Singhai et al showed that ileo-caecal region was a commonest site of involvement in abdominal
tuberculosis 6
Bhansali et al in 1968 reported that closure of tubercular perforation with or without bypass has been show
to give poor results and hence resection and anastomosis recommended 7
Das PShukla in 1968 showed that abdominal tuberculosis was 2 to 3 times more common in females 8
Nair SK in 1981 reported maximum morbidity in the form of wound infection in 52 of the patients
followed by fecal fistula (16) septicemia (8) respiratory infections (4) 9
Beniwal Uday Singh in 2003 concluded that repair of the typhoid perforation is better procedure than
temporary ileostomy in enteric perforation due to its cost effectiveness and absence of complications
related to ileostomy 10
Ileostomy and ileo transverse bypass should be considered as a treatment option in patients with unhealthy
gut
3
GROSS ANATOMY
The length of the alimentary tract in normal humans averages about 453 cm from
the nose to the anus The duodenum is approximately 21 cm long and the colon is
approximately 109 cm long The combined length of the jejunum and ileum is 261 cm
or about three fifths of the entire canal 11 The jejunum begins at the duodenojejunal
angle supported by the ligament of Treitz The jejunum constitutes the proximal two
fifths of the small intestine and the ileum makes up the distal three fifths however there
is no clear demarcation between jejunum and ileum The small intestine which decreases
in luminal diameter as it proceeds distally is convoluted or folded upon itself to occupy
the central and lower part of the abdominal cavity it is enclosed laterally and superiorly
by the colon 12
Figure 1 Mucosa and Musculature of Jejunum
Figure 2 Mucosa and Musculature of Ileum
Mesentery
The mesentery a large fold of peritoneum suspends the small intestine from the
posterior abdominal wall The base of the mesentery attaches to the posterior abdominal
wall to the left of the second lumbar vertebra and passes obliquely to the right and
inferiorly to the right sacroiliac joint The mesentery contains blood vessels nerves
lymphatics and lymph nodes as well as considerable fat It attaches to the small intestine
along the length of one side the mesenteric border leaving the remainder of the surface
of the bowel covered by its visceral peritoneum the serosa The broad-based attachment
of the mesenteric base stabilizes the small bowel and prevents it from twisting upon its
blood supply
Blood Supply
The small intestine receives its blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery
the second large branch of the abdominal aorta The superior mesenteric artery courses
anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third portion of the duodenum
where it divides to supply the pancreas duodenum and entire small intestine as well as
the ascending and transverse colon The intestinal arteries branch within the mesentery to
unite with adjacent arteries to form a series of arterial arcades before sending small
straight arteries to the small intestine The intestinal arteries contact the small intestine on
the mesenteric border where they pass toward the antimesenteric border sending small
branches into the layers of the intestine The veins of the small intestine drain into the
superior mesenteric vein a major tributary to the portal vein
Lymphatics
Peyers patches are lymph nodules aggregated in the submucosa of the small
intestine These lymphatic nodules are most abundant in the ileum but the jejunum also
contains them The lymphatic drainage from the small intestine passes into three sets of
mesenteric nodes a first set close to the wall of the small intestine a second set adjacent
to the mesenteric arcades and a third set along the trunk of the superior mesenteric
artery The superior mesenteric preaortic group drains into the intestinal trunk which
drains into the cisterna chyli The lymphatic drainage of the small intestine constitutes a
major route for transport of absorbed lipid into the circulation
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
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1992359-79
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Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
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70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
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Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Aims and objectives
3 Review of literature
4 Anatomy
5 Physiology
6 Pathophysiology
7 Material methods and observation
8 Discussion
9 Summary
10 Conclusions
11 Performa
12 Bibliography
13 Master chart
14 Abbreviations
INTRODUCTION
Perforation of the small bowel especially terminal ileum is a common abdominal emergency faced
by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes comprises the
majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic1
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The ileum is the main site of
perforation 2
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-operative
intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient 3
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and
various surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our setup
AIMS amp OBJECTIVES
1 To study the various causes of small bowel perforation
2 To study various clinical features of small bowel perforation
3 To study various diagnostic modalities especially X-ray abdomen erect
4 To study various surgical procedures amp outcomes
5 To study post surgical complications amp management
6 To study outcomes after certain time of resuscitation
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The Hippocratic facies seen in terminal stages of peritonitis was described by hippocrates in 460
BC 4
Aristotle was the first to discribe intestinal injury as consequence of blunt abdominal trauma 5
Singhai et al showed that ileo-caecal region was a commonest site of involvement in abdominal
tuberculosis 6
Bhansali et al in 1968 reported that closure of tubercular perforation with or without bypass has been show
to give poor results and hence resection and anastomosis recommended 7
Das PShukla in 1968 showed that abdominal tuberculosis was 2 to 3 times more common in females 8
Nair SK in 1981 reported maximum morbidity in the form of wound infection in 52 of the patients
followed by fecal fistula (16) septicemia (8) respiratory infections (4) 9
Beniwal Uday Singh in 2003 concluded that repair of the typhoid perforation is better procedure than
temporary ileostomy in enteric perforation due to its cost effectiveness and absence of complications
related to ileostomy 10
Ileostomy and ileo transverse bypass should be considered as a treatment option in patients with unhealthy
gut
3
GROSS ANATOMY
The length of the alimentary tract in normal humans averages about 453 cm from
the nose to the anus The duodenum is approximately 21 cm long and the colon is
approximately 109 cm long The combined length of the jejunum and ileum is 261 cm
or about three fifths of the entire canal 11 The jejunum begins at the duodenojejunal
angle supported by the ligament of Treitz The jejunum constitutes the proximal two
fifths of the small intestine and the ileum makes up the distal three fifths however there
is no clear demarcation between jejunum and ileum The small intestine which decreases
in luminal diameter as it proceeds distally is convoluted or folded upon itself to occupy
the central and lower part of the abdominal cavity it is enclosed laterally and superiorly
by the colon 12
Figure 1 Mucosa and Musculature of Jejunum
Figure 2 Mucosa and Musculature of Ileum
Mesentery
The mesentery a large fold of peritoneum suspends the small intestine from the
posterior abdominal wall The base of the mesentery attaches to the posterior abdominal
wall to the left of the second lumbar vertebra and passes obliquely to the right and
inferiorly to the right sacroiliac joint The mesentery contains blood vessels nerves
lymphatics and lymph nodes as well as considerable fat It attaches to the small intestine
along the length of one side the mesenteric border leaving the remainder of the surface
of the bowel covered by its visceral peritoneum the serosa The broad-based attachment
of the mesenteric base stabilizes the small bowel and prevents it from twisting upon its
blood supply
Blood Supply
The small intestine receives its blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery
the second large branch of the abdominal aorta The superior mesenteric artery courses
anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third portion of the duodenum
where it divides to supply the pancreas duodenum and entire small intestine as well as
the ascending and transverse colon The intestinal arteries branch within the mesentery to
unite with adjacent arteries to form a series of arterial arcades before sending small
straight arteries to the small intestine The intestinal arteries contact the small intestine on
the mesenteric border where they pass toward the antimesenteric border sending small
branches into the layers of the intestine The veins of the small intestine drain into the
superior mesenteric vein a major tributary to the portal vein
Lymphatics
Peyers patches are lymph nodules aggregated in the submucosa of the small
intestine These lymphatic nodules are most abundant in the ileum but the jejunum also
contains them The lymphatic drainage from the small intestine passes into three sets of
mesenteric nodes a first set close to the wall of the small intestine a second set adjacent
to the mesenteric arcades and a third set along the trunk of the superior mesenteric
artery The superior mesenteric preaortic group drains into the intestinal trunk which
drains into the cisterna chyli The lymphatic drainage of the small intestine constitutes a
major route for transport of absorbed lipid into the circulation
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
INTRODUCTION
Perforation of the small bowel especially terminal ileum is a common abdominal emergency faced
by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes comprises the
majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic1
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The ileum is the main site of
perforation 2
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-operative
intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient 3
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and
various surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our setup
AIMS amp OBJECTIVES
1 To study the various causes of small bowel perforation
2 To study various clinical features of small bowel perforation
3 To study various diagnostic modalities especially X-ray abdomen erect
4 To study various surgical procedures amp outcomes
5 To study post surgical complications amp management
6 To study outcomes after certain time of resuscitation
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The Hippocratic facies seen in terminal stages of peritonitis was described by hippocrates in 460
BC 4
Aristotle was the first to discribe intestinal injury as consequence of blunt abdominal trauma 5
Singhai et al showed that ileo-caecal region was a commonest site of involvement in abdominal
tuberculosis 6
Bhansali et al in 1968 reported that closure of tubercular perforation with or without bypass has been show
to give poor results and hence resection and anastomosis recommended 7
Das PShukla in 1968 showed that abdominal tuberculosis was 2 to 3 times more common in females 8
Nair SK in 1981 reported maximum morbidity in the form of wound infection in 52 of the patients
followed by fecal fistula (16) septicemia (8) respiratory infections (4) 9
Beniwal Uday Singh in 2003 concluded that repair of the typhoid perforation is better procedure than
temporary ileostomy in enteric perforation due to its cost effectiveness and absence of complications
related to ileostomy 10
Ileostomy and ileo transverse bypass should be considered as a treatment option in patients with unhealthy
gut
3
GROSS ANATOMY
The length of the alimentary tract in normal humans averages about 453 cm from
the nose to the anus The duodenum is approximately 21 cm long and the colon is
approximately 109 cm long The combined length of the jejunum and ileum is 261 cm
or about three fifths of the entire canal 11 The jejunum begins at the duodenojejunal
angle supported by the ligament of Treitz The jejunum constitutes the proximal two
fifths of the small intestine and the ileum makes up the distal three fifths however there
is no clear demarcation between jejunum and ileum The small intestine which decreases
in luminal diameter as it proceeds distally is convoluted or folded upon itself to occupy
the central and lower part of the abdominal cavity it is enclosed laterally and superiorly
by the colon 12
Figure 1 Mucosa and Musculature of Jejunum
Figure 2 Mucosa and Musculature of Ileum
Mesentery
The mesentery a large fold of peritoneum suspends the small intestine from the
posterior abdominal wall The base of the mesentery attaches to the posterior abdominal
wall to the left of the second lumbar vertebra and passes obliquely to the right and
inferiorly to the right sacroiliac joint The mesentery contains blood vessels nerves
lymphatics and lymph nodes as well as considerable fat It attaches to the small intestine
along the length of one side the mesenteric border leaving the remainder of the surface
of the bowel covered by its visceral peritoneum the serosa The broad-based attachment
of the mesenteric base stabilizes the small bowel and prevents it from twisting upon its
blood supply
Blood Supply
The small intestine receives its blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery
the second large branch of the abdominal aorta The superior mesenteric artery courses
anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third portion of the duodenum
where it divides to supply the pancreas duodenum and entire small intestine as well as
the ascending and transverse colon The intestinal arteries branch within the mesentery to
unite with adjacent arteries to form a series of arterial arcades before sending small
straight arteries to the small intestine The intestinal arteries contact the small intestine on
the mesenteric border where they pass toward the antimesenteric border sending small
branches into the layers of the intestine The veins of the small intestine drain into the
superior mesenteric vein a major tributary to the portal vein
Lymphatics
Peyers patches are lymph nodules aggregated in the submucosa of the small
intestine These lymphatic nodules are most abundant in the ileum but the jejunum also
contains them The lymphatic drainage from the small intestine passes into three sets of
mesenteric nodes a first set close to the wall of the small intestine a second set adjacent
to the mesenteric arcades and a third set along the trunk of the superior mesenteric
artery The superior mesenteric preaortic group drains into the intestinal trunk which
drains into the cisterna chyli The lymphatic drainage of the small intestine constitutes a
major route for transport of absorbed lipid into the circulation
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
3 To study various diagnostic modalities especially X-ray abdomen erect
4 To study various surgical procedures amp outcomes
5 To study post surgical complications amp management
6 To study outcomes after certain time of resuscitation
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The Hippocratic facies seen in terminal stages of peritonitis was described by hippocrates in 460
BC 4
Aristotle was the first to discribe intestinal injury as consequence of blunt abdominal trauma 5
Singhai et al showed that ileo-caecal region was a commonest site of involvement in abdominal
tuberculosis 6
Bhansali et al in 1968 reported that closure of tubercular perforation with or without bypass has been show
to give poor results and hence resection and anastomosis recommended 7
Das PShukla in 1968 showed that abdominal tuberculosis was 2 to 3 times more common in females 8
Nair SK in 1981 reported maximum morbidity in the form of wound infection in 52 of the patients
followed by fecal fistula (16) septicemia (8) respiratory infections (4) 9
Beniwal Uday Singh in 2003 concluded that repair of the typhoid perforation is better procedure than
temporary ileostomy in enteric perforation due to its cost effectiveness and absence of complications
related to ileostomy 10
Ileostomy and ileo transverse bypass should be considered as a treatment option in patients with unhealthy
gut
3
GROSS ANATOMY
The length of the alimentary tract in normal humans averages about 453 cm from
the nose to the anus The duodenum is approximately 21 cm long and the colon is
approximately 109 cm long The combined length of the jejunum and ileum is 261 cm
or about three fifths of the entire canal 11 The jejunum begins at the duodenojejunal
angle supported by the ligament of Treitz The jejunum constitutes the proximal two
fifths of the small intestine and the ileum makes up the distal three fifths however there
is no clear demarcation between jejunum and ileum The small intestine which decreases
in luminal diameter as it proceeds distally is convoluted or folded upon itself to occupy
the central and lower part of the abdominal cavity it is enclosed laterally and superiorly
by the colon 12
Figure 1 Mucosa and Musculature of Jejunum
Figure 2 Mucosa and Musculature of Ileum
Mesentery
The mesentery a large fold of peritoneum suspends the small intestine from the
posterior abdominal wall The base of the mesentery attaches to the posterior abdominal
wall to the left of the second lumbar vertebra and passes obliquely to the right and
inferiorly to the right sacroiliac joint The mesentery contains blood vessels nerves
lymphatics and lymph nodes as well as considerable fat It attaches to the small intestine
along the length of one side the mesenteric border leaving the remainder of the surface
of the bowel covered by its visceral peritoneum the serosa The broad-based attachment
of the mesenteric base stabilizes the small bowel and prevents it from twisting upon its
blood supply
Blood Supply
The small intestine receives its blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery
the second large branch of the abdominal aorta The superior mesenteric artery courses
anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third portion of the duodenum
where it divides to supply the pancreas duodenum and entire small intestine as well as
the ascending and transverse colon The intestinal arteries branch within the mesentery to
unite with adjacent arteries to form a series of arterial arcades before sending small
straight arteries to the small intestine The intestinal arteries contact the small intestine on
the mesenteric border where they pass toward the antimesenteric border sending small
branches into the layers of the intestine The veins of the small intestine drain into the
superior mesenteric vein a major tributary to the portal vein
Lymphatics
Peyers patches are lymph nodules aggregated in the submucosa of the small
intestine These lymphatic nodules are most abundant in the ileum but the jejunum also
contains them The lymphatic drainage from the small intestine passes into three sets of
mesenteric nodes a first set close to the wall of the small intestine a second set adjacent
to the mesenteric arcades and a third set along the trunk of the superior mesenteric
artery The superior mesenteric preaortic group drains into the intestinal trunk which
drains into the cisterna chyli The lymphatic drainage of the small intestine constitutes a
major route for transport of absorbed lipid into the circulation
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
3
GROSS ANATOMY
The length of the alimentary tract in normal humans averages about 453 cm from
the nose to the anus The duodenum is approximately 21 cm long and the colon is
approximately 109 cm long The combined length of the jejunum and ileum is 261 cm
or about three fifths of the entire canal 11 The jejunum begins at the duodenojejunal
angle supported by the ligament of Treitz The jejunum constitutes the proximal two
fifths of the small intestine and the ileum makes up the distal three fifths however there
is no clear demarcation between jejunum and ileum The small intestine which decreases
in luminal diameter as it proceeds distally is convoluted or folded upon itself to occupy
the central and lower part of the abdominal cavity it is enclosed laterally and superiorly
by the colon 12
Figure 1 Mucosa and Musculature of Jejunum
Figure 2 Mucosa and Musculature of Ileum
Mesentery
The mesentery a large fold of peritoneum suspends the small intestine from the
posterior abdominal wall The base of the mesentery attaches to the posterior abdominal
wall to the left of the second lumbar vertebra and passes obliquely to the right and
inferiorly to the right sacroiliac joint The mesentery contains blood vessels nerves
lymphatics and lymph nodes as well as considerable fat It attaches to the small intestine
along the length of one side the mesenteric border leaving the remainder of the surface
of the bowel covered by its visceral peritoneum the serosa The broad-based attachment
of the mesenteric base stabilizes the small bowel and prevents it from twisting upon its
blood supply
Blood Supply
The small intestine receives its blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery
the second large branch of the abdominal aorta The superior mesenteric artery courses
anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third portion of the duodenum
where it divides to supply the pancreas duodenum and entire small intestine as well as
the ascending and transverse colon The intestinal arteries branch within the mesentery to
unite with adjacent arteries to form a series of arterial arcades before sending small
straight arteries to the small intestine The intestinal arteries contact the small intestine on
the mesenteric border where they pass toward the antimesenteric border sending small
branches into the layers of the intestine The veins of the small intestine drain into the
superior mesenteric vein a major tributary to the portal vein
Lymphatics
Peyers patches are lymph nodules aggregated in the submucosa of the small
intestine These lymphatic nodules are most abundant in the ileum but the jejunum also
contains them The lymphatic drainage from the small intestine passes into three sets of
mesenteric nodes a first set close to the wall of the small intestine a second set adjacent
to the mesenteric arcades and a third set along the trunk of the superior mesenteric
artery The superior mesenteric preaortic group drains into the intestinal trunk which
drains into the cisterna chyli The lymphatic drainage of the small intestine constitutes a
major route for transport of absorbed lipid into the circulation
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
GROSS ANATOMY
The length of the alimentary tract in normal humans averages about 453 cm from
the nose to the anus The duodenum is approximately 21 cm long and the colon is
approximately 109 cm long The combined length of the jejunum and ileum is 261 cm
or about three fifths of the entire canal 11 The jejunum begins at the duodenojejunal
angle supported by the ligament of Treitz The jejunum constitutes the proximal two
fifths of the small intestine and the ileum makes up the distal three fifths however there
is no clear demarcation between jejunum and ileum The small intestine which decreases
in luminal diameter as it proceeds distally is convoluted or folded upon itself to occupy
the central and lower part of the abdominal cavity it is enclosed laterally and superiorly
by the colon 12
Figure 1 Mucosa and Musculature of Jejunum
Figure 2 Mucosa and Musculature of Ileum
Mesentery
The mesentery a large fold of peritoneum suspends the small intestine from the
posterior abdominal wall The base of the mesentery attaches to the posterior abdominal
wall to the left of the second lumbar vertebra and passes obliquely to the right and
inferiorly to the right sacroiliac joint The mesentery contains blood vessels nerves
lymphatics and lymph nodes as well as considerable fat It attaches to the small intestine
along the length of one side the mesenteric border leaving the remainder of the surface
of the bowel covered by its visceral peritoneum the serosa The broad-based attachment
of the mesenteric base stabilizes the small bowel and prevents it from twisting upon its
blood supply
Blood Supply
The small intestine receives its blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery
the second large branch of the abdominal aorta The superior mesenteric artery courses
anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third portion of the duodenum
where it divides to supply the pancreas duodenum and entire small intestine as well as
the ascending and transverse colon The intestinal arteries branch within the mesentery to
unite with adjacent arteries to form a series of arterial arcades before sending small
straight arteries to the small intestine The intestinal arteries contact the small intestine on
the mesenteric border where they pass toward the antimesenteric border sending small
branches into the layers of the intestine The veins of the small intestine drain into the
superior mesenteric vein a major tributary to the portal vein
Lymphatics
Peyers patches are lymph nodules aggregated in the submucosa of the small
intestine These lymphatic nodules are most abundant in the ileum but the jejunum also
contains them The lymphatic drainage from the small intestine passes into three sets of
mesenteric nodes a first set close to the wall of the small intestine a second set adjacent
to the mesenteric arcades and a third set along the trunk of the superior mesenteric
artery The superior mesenteric preaortic group drains into the intestinal trunk which
drains into the cisterna chyli The lymphatic drainage of the small intestine constitutes a
major route for transport of absorbed lipid into the circulation
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Figure 2 Mucosa and Musculature of Ileum
Mesentery
The mesentery a large fold of peritoneum suspends the small intestine from the
posterior abdominal wall The base of the mesentery attaches to the posterior abdominal
wall to the left of the second lumbar vertebra and passes obliquely to the right and
inferiorly to the right sacroiliac joint The mesentery contains blood vessels nerves
lymphatics and lymph nodes as well as considerable fat It attaches to the small intestine
along the length of one side the mesenteric border leaving the remainder of the surface
of the bowel covered by its visceral peritoneum the serosa The broad-based attachment
of the mesenteric base stabilizes the small bowel and prevents it from twisting upon its
blood supply
Blood Supply
The small intestine receives its blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery
the second large branch of the abdominal aorta The superior mesenteric artery courses
anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third portion of the duodenum
where it divides to supply the pancreas duodenum and entire small intestine as well as
the ascending and transverse colon The intestinal arteries branch within the mesentery to
unite with adjacent arteries to form a series of arterial arcades before sending small
straight arteries to the small intestine The intestinal arteries contact the small intestine on
the mesenteric border where they pass toward the antimesenteric border sending small
branches into the layers of the intestine The veins of the small intestine drain into the
superior mesenteric vein a major tributary to the portal vein
Lymphatics
Peyers patches are lymph nodules aggregated in the submucosa of the small
intestine These lymphatic nodules are most abundant in the ileum but the jejunum also
contains them The lymphatic drainage from the small intestine passes into three sets of
mesenteric nodes a first set close to the wall of the small intestine a second set adjacent
to the mesenteric arcades and a third set along the trunk of the superior mesenteric
artery The superior mesenteric preaortic group drains into the intestinal trunk which
drains into the cisterna chyli The lymphatic drainage of the small intestine constitutes a
major route for transport of absorbed lipid into the circulation
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Blood Supply
The small intestine receives its blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery
the second large branch of the abdominal aorta The superior mesenteric artery courses
anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas and the third portion of the duodenum
where it divides to supply the pancreas duodenum and entire small intestine as well as
the ascending and transverse colon The intestinal arteries branch within the mesentery to
unite with adjacent arteries to form a series of arterial arcades before sending small
straight arteries to the small intestine The intestinal arteries contact the small intestine on
the mesenteric border where they pass toward the antimesenteric border sending small
branches into the layers of the intestine The veins of the small intestine drain into the
superior mesenteric vein a major tributary to the portal vein
Lymphatics
Peyers patches are lymph nodules aggregated in the submucosa of the small
intestine These lymphatic nodules are most abundant in the ileum but the jejunum also
contains them The lymphatic drainage from the small intestine passes into three sets of
mesenteric nodes a first set close to the wall of the small intestine a second set adjacent
to the mesenteric arcades and a third set along the trunk of the superior mesenteric
artery The superior mesenteric preaortic group drains into the intestinal trunk which
drains into the cisterna chyli The lymphatic drainage of the small intestine constitutes a
major route for transport of absorbed lipid into the circulation
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Mucosa
The mucosal surface of the small intestine contains numerous circular mucosal
folds called the plicae circulares (valvulae conniventes or valves of Kerckring) These
folds are 3 to 10 mm in height they are taller and more numerous in the distal duodenum
and proximal jejunum becoming shorter and fewer distally Intestinal villi barely visible
to the naked eye resemble tiny finger-like processes projecting into the intestinal lumen
Innervation
The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
provide the efferent nerves to the small intestine The parasympathetic preganglionic
fibers pass through the vagus nerves to synapse with neurons of the intrinsic plexuses of
the intestine The sympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ninth and tenth thoracic
segments of the spinal cord and synapse in the superior mesenteric ganglion The
postganglionic sympathetic fibers pass along the branches of the superior mesenteric
artery to the intestine Pain from the intestine is mediated through thoracic visceral
afferents not vagal afferents Although the vagus contains large numbers of afferent
fibers thoracic visceral afferents not vagal afferents mediate pain from the intestine 13
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY
The small intestine consists of four layers From the lumen outward they are the
mucosa the submucosa the muscularis and the adventitia or serosa
Mucosa
The mucosa of the small intestine encompasses the epithelium the lamina
propria and the muscularis mucosae The mucosal surface has two important structural
features the villi and the crypts of Lieberkuumlhn The villi have a columnar epithelial
surface and a cellular connective tissue core of lamina propria Each villus contains a
central lymphatic vessel called a lacteal a small artery a vein and a capillary network
Human jejunal villi measure 05 to 10 mm high and number 10 to 40 villi per square
millimeter of mucosal surface In addition to the vessels the villi contain smooth muscle
fibers extending from the muscularis mucosae providing contractility to each villus The
crypts of Lieberkuumlhn or intestinal glands reside adjacent to the bases of the villi and
extend down to but not through the muscularis mucosae The lamina propria between
the intestinal epithelium and the muscularis mucosae contains blood and lymph vessels
nerve fibers smooth muscle fibers fibroblasts macrophages plasma cells lymphocytes
eosinophils and mast cells as well as elements of connective tissue 14
Scanning electron micrographs provide an in-depth perspective of the mucosa
with excellent resolution The villi vary in shape from circular to flattened or finger-
shaped The finger-shaped villi are 01 to 025 mm in diameter are corrugated by deep
horizontal clefts and have holes 3 to 8 m across on the surface representing the
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
openings of the goblet cells 23 The muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle
separating the mucosa from the submucosa 15
Cells of the Epithelium
Cells of the Villi The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption
These cells 22 to 26m tall exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border) and a basally
placed nucleus The microvilli which are projections 1 m tall and 01 m wide and are
produced by numerous folds in the apical plasma membrane account for the brush border
appearance The microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface of the epithelial cell
The membrane of the microvillus is continuous without fenestrations and it separates the
lumen of the gut from the interior of the epithelial cell The brush border contains high
concentrations of digestive enzymes particularly disaccharidases The plasma membrane
contains 80 to 90 of the disaccharidase activity of the intestinal cell These findings
indicate that the microvilli besides increasing absorptive surface perform an important
digestive function
Goblet cells are present in both the villi and the crypts These cells have
cytoplasm filled with mucous granules between the nucleus and the apical brush border
Intestinal goblet cells secrete their mucus by merocrine secretion 13
Cells of the Crypts
Enterochromaffin cells reside in the crypts of the small intestine and in other parts
of the gastrointestinal system as well including the esophagus stomach colon
gallbladder and pancreas These cells do not contact the intestinal lumen and their
secretory granules are usually below the nuclei away from the lumen suggesting
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
secretion into the blood rather than the lumen The enterochromaffin cells have an
endocrine function
Paneth cells occur in the base of the crypts and are structurally similar to cells
known to secrete large amounts of protein such as pancreatic or parotid acinar cells The
function of Paneth cells is unknown
Undifferentiated cells the most frequent cell in the base of the crypts multiply
and differentiate to replace lost absorptive cells
Epithelial Renewal
The epithelium of the small intestine is a dynamic rapidly proliferating tissue in
which old dying cells are constantly replaced by newly formed cells thus maintaining the
structural integrity of the mucosa Mitotic division of undifferentiated cells occurs in the
crypts New growth replaces the population of intestinal epithelial cells every 3 to 7 days
13
Submucosa
The submucosa is a strong fibroelastic and areolar connective tissue layer
containing vessels nerves and lymph nodules
Muscular Layer and Intramural Neural Structures
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Two distinct layers of smooth or nonstriated muscle an outer longitudinal coat
and an inner circular coat form the muscular portion of the small intestine Intestinal
smooth muscle fibers are spindle-shaped structures about 250 m long The plasma
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
membrane of adjacent cells approximate at points forming structures called nexuses The
nexuses allow electrical continuity between smooth muscle cells and permit conduction
through the muscle layer
The small intestine has four identifiable neural plexuses (1) The subserous
plexus noticeable on the mesenteric attachment forms the transition between the
mesenteric nerve fibers and the myenteric plexus Ganglia occur in the subserous plexus
(2) The myenteric plexus is located between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers
and consists of three networks linking various ganglia and ramifying within the muscle
layers (3) The submucosal plexus is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia in the
submucosa (4) The mucous plexus consists of fibers from the submucosal plexus
extending into the mucosa This plexus does not contain nerve cell bodies 131416
PHYSIOLOGY
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION
Carbohydrate
The digestion of starch by amylase probably occurs predominantly in the lumen
of the alimentary tract Maltose maltotriose and dextrin as well as the dietary
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
disaccharides lactose (glucose-galactose) and sucrose (glucose-fructose) are completely
broken down to the constituent monosaccharides by the microvilli
The intestinal cells actively transport glucose and galactose against a
concentration gradient Glucose and galactose compete for transport in a manner similar
to competitive inhibition in other enzyme substrate systems The active transport of
sugars requires metabolic energy as well as oxygen Sodium ion is important in the
transport of glucose and galactose Glucose and galactose are absorbed by carrier-
mediated active transport The absorption of glucose and galactose depends on Na+
movement into the cell produced by the Na+K+ ATPase located on the basolateral cell
membrane Fructose the other significant monosaccharide is not absorbed by active
transport but probably enters the intestinal cells by facilitated diffusion 1316
Protein
The intestinal enzyme enterokinase converts trypsinogen to trypsin The
activation of trypsinogen is autocatalytic that is trypsin also activates trypsinogen
Trypsin likewise activates the other pancreatic proteolytic enzyme precursors Amino
acids are the final product of protein digestion However some dipeptides are also
absorbed
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal lumen by carrier-mediated active
transport The transport of amino acids requires oxygen and sodium The sodium pump
on the basolateral cell membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells maintains an electrical
potential across the brush border Digestion and absorption of protein are usually 80 to
90 completed in the jejunum 13
Fat
The bile salts that occur in humansmdashglycine or taurine conjugates of cholic acid
deoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acidmdashare detergents they are water-soluble at
one portion of the molecule and fat-soluble at the other In solution substances produce
polymolecular aggregates called micelles which can dissolve fat 17 Lecithin a
phospholipid greatly enhances the capacity of bile salts to form micelles and dissolve fat
Bile salt and lecithin solubilize lipid in an aqueous environment to produce a micellar
solution This provides an optimal physicochemical environment for the action of
pancreatic lipase Pancreatic bicarbonate regulates the pH of the intestinal lumen to allow
lipase to function optimally An alkaline pH favors ionization of fatty acids and bile salts
which increases their solubility in micelles An alkaline pH also increases the solubility
of bile salts
Chylomicrons pass from the epithelial cells into the lacteals where they pass through the
lymphatics into the venous system Medium-chain triglyceride (C 8 to C 10) may be
absorbed without hydrolysis and pass into portal blood rather than into lymph via the
formation of chylomicrons
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
The jejunum absorbs most dietary fat Although unconjugated bile acids are absorbed in
the jejunum by passive diffusion the conjugated bile acids that form micelles are
absorbed in the ileum by active transport There they are almost completely absorbed and
pass via the portal venous blood to the liver for resecretion as bile
Water and Electrolytes
Large quantities of water enter the small intestine Some water is ingested but the
digestive glands secrete a larger amount to provide the luminal environment for optimal
digestion and absorption Five to 10 liters of water enters the small bowel daily whereas
only about 500 ml or less leaves the ileum and enters the colon The small intestine
therefore absorbs large quantities of water18
The important factors in the movement of water across the intestinal mucosa are diffusion
and osmotic filtration caused by osmotic or hydrostatic pressure differences across the
membrane Intestinal cells have a sodium pump (Na+K+ ATPase) on the basolateral cell
membrane that moves Na+ out of the cell into the basolateral intercellular space
Movement of K+ into the cell accompanies the Na+ movement The sodium pump
produces a concentration gradient that moves Na+ into the cell from the lumen This
movement of Na+ by the sodium pump also transports glucose amino acids and
oligopeptide into the intestinal epithelial cells
In the jejunum a small portion of sodium absorption is mediated by active transport but
most of jejunal sodium absorption occurs by bulk flow along osmotic gradients The
jejunum effectively absorbs bicarbonate against steep electrochemical gradients19
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
The human ileum absorbs Na+ Cl- against steep electrochemical gradients this
absorption is unaffected by water flow and is not stimulated by glucose galactose or
HCO 3 - Potassium is passively absorbed from the intestine according to its
electrochemical gradients
Calcium is absorbed particularly in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and
jejunum) by a process of active transport This ion is absorbed better from an acid than
from an alkaline environment which may explain the better absorption in the proximal
intestine Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone enhance calcium absorption
An important electrolyte absorbed by the small intestine is iron One of the important
functions of the small intestine is to regulate the body pool of iron
MOTILITY13 16
There are several types of visible small intestinal muscular activity The
segmenting contraction is a localized circumferential contraction of the circular muscle
over a length of about 1 cm of the small intestine Segmenting contractions divide the
luminal content within the area of contraction Their rhythmic segmenting activity occurs
in the proximal small intestine at about nine contractions per minute Segmenting
contractions occurring regularly and rhythmically in adjacent portions of the small
intestine divide and subdivide the intestinal content mixing it and exposing it to larger
areas of mucosa which facilitates digestion and absorption Peristalsis consists of
intestinal contractions passing aborally at a rate of 1 to 2 cm per second through several
centimeters of intestine Peristalsis is slower in the distal than in the proximal small
bowel The major function of peristalsis is the distal movement of intestinal chyme
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
The Migrating Myoelectrical Complex (MMC)
During the interdigestive period there are cyclically occurring contractions that
move aborally along the intestine every 75 to 90 minutes during fasting Most of these
fronts of activity begin in the stomach or duodenum last about 4frac12 minutes and pass
along the gut at about 68 cm per minute The MMC is thought to sweep or cleanse the
intestine during the interdigestive period Motilin may regulate the MMC 16 20
Regulation of Small Intestinal Motility
Myogenic Factors
Two types of electrical activity can be recorded from the small intestine Slow-
wave electrical activity begins in the longitudinal muscle layer of the duodenum and is
propagated distally This phenomenon called the basic electrical rhythm (BER) is
independent of the intrinsic neural plexuses and is unrelated to motor activity Intestinal
spike potential may occur spontaneously during depolarization or from stretching of the
bowel and it is associated with motor activity
Neurogenic Factors
Intrinsic neural regulation is initiated by stimulation of the mucosa particularly
by distention which causes contraction of longitudinal and circular muscle propelling
luminal content distally The intrinsic nerve supply regulates rather than initiates motor
action In general sympathetic activity inhibits motor function whereas parasympathetic
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
activity stimulates it Epinephrine inhibits small intestinal motor activity whereas
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
acetylcholine stimulates it Distention of the small intestine can inhibit small intestinal
motility by the intestinointestinal inhibitory reflex Distention of the ureter renal pelvis
or biliary system or peritoneal irritation may inhibit intestinal movements 13
Hormonal Factors
Gastrointestinal hormones may be important in regulating intestinal motility
Gastrin stimulates gastric and intestinal motility and relaxes the ileocecal sphincter
Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) also stimulates intestinal motility and may
decrease intestinal transit time Secretin and chemically similar glucagon inhibit intestinal
motility
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION
The mucosa of the small intestine is an important source of peptide hormones
whose main function is to regulate the gastrointestinal tract21
Secretin
Secretin is released from duodenal mucosal S cells in response to intraluminal
H+ Secretin promotes digestion by stimulating copious secretion of water and
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
bicarbonate from the pancreas This action facilitates entry of pancreatic enzymes into the
intestinal lumen and provides a pH favoring digestion of fat Secretin is also a choleretic
and inhibits gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
CCK-PZ
Cholecystokinin and pancreozymin are the same substance and are released from
intestinal mucosal I cells CCK-PZ facilitates digestion and absorption by stimulating
emptying of the gallbladder as well as by increasing bile flow and relaxing the sphincter
of Oddi Another important action of CCK-PZ is stimulation of pancreatic enzyme
secretion
Other Gut Hormones
Enteroglucagon is released from the EG cells which occur predominantly in the
distal small intestine Enteroglucagon is released by carbohydrate and long-chain
fatty acid and inhibits intestinal motility
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide GIP is released from K cells predominantly in
the jejunum on stimulation by carbohydrate or fat The concentration of serum
GIP increases after meals and it is believed that its most significant action is to
stimulate insulin secretion
Motilin is released from the EC cells of the intestine predominantly the jejunum
Motilin inhibits gastric emptying in humans and may also alter the interdigestive
myoelectrical complex and cause changes in the lower esophageal sphincter
IMMUNOLOGIC FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINE
The intestine is a source of immunoglobulin particularly IgA22 It is believed that
this immunoglobulin arises from plasma cells in the lamina propria and after linkage
with a protein synthesized by epithelial cells it is secreted into the lumen Secretory IgA
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
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of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
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5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
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7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
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Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
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70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
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16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
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17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
contains antibody activities the exact roles of which are not yet known
SMALL BOWEL PERFORATION
CLASSIFICATION 123
The causes of perforation are broadly classified into
10487131048713Non-traumatic
10487131048713Inflammatory bowel disease
10487131048713Acute ndash Typhoid fever
Necrotizing entero colitis
10487131048713Chronic - Tuberculosis
Crohns disease
10487131048713Vascular
10487131048713Arterial
10487131048713Occlusive
o Thrombosis
o Atherosclerosis
o Oral contraceptive pill
o Embolism
o Aortic aneurysm
o Valvular heart disease
10487131048713Non occlusive
o Spasm
o Reflex due to systemic hypo perfusion
o Drugs digoxin vasopressin
o Congestive heart failure
o Arrhythmia
19
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
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of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
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4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
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24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
10487131048713Venous
10487131048713Intra-abdominal
o Portal stasis
o Pelvic and abdominal infections
o Tumor
o Volvulus
o Adhesions
10487131048713Secondary to blood dyscrasia
o Polycythemia
o Splenic anaemia
10487131048713Thrombo phlebitis migrans
10487131048713Oral contraceptive pill
10487131048713Neoplastic
10487131048713Leiomyosarcoma
10487131048713Adenocarcinoma
10487131048713Kaposi sarcoma
10487131048713Lymphoma
10487131048713Miscellaneous
10487131048713Meconium ileus
10487131048713Diverticular disease
10487131048713Foreign body
10487131048713Round worm
10487131048713Radiation enteritis
10487131048713Peptic ulcer in ZE syndrome
10487131048713Acute intestinal obstruction of any etiology
10487131048713Drugs steroids KCl
10487131048713Traumatic
10487131048713External violence due to blunt or penetrating abdominal injury
10487131048713Operative injury
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
20
Typhoid is the commonest cause of ileal perforation in tropics Analysis of 12 regional reports from
different parts of India between 1972 and 1989 reveals that the causes of small bowel perforation in
450 cases out of 513 (877) were Typhoid24
As evidence obtained from studies in university hospitals Ibaban Nigeria by JAS Dickson and
GJ Cole in 196425 the causes of perforation of terminal ileum has aroused a considerable speculation and
suggested causative agents include
bull Typhoid
bull Tuberculosis
21
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
Archampong26 from Ghana has reported that in Tropics perforation of Ileum is most frequently
encountered complication of Typhoid fever Other causes were
bull Tuberculosis
bull Trauma
bull Ascariasis
bull Amoebiasis
bull Mackelrsquos Diverticulum
bull Intussusception
bull Crohnrsquos Disease
bull Malignancy
bull Non-specific ulceration
SK Nair9 from New Delhi in a series of 50 cases of non-traumatic perforation has reported that
Typhoid Tuberculosis Amoebiasis and Round worms were most common causes
22
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
TYPHOID
Typhoid Pathogenesis Typhoid Perforation is the foremost and most dreaded complication of typhoid
fever and is fairly common surgical emergency in the tropics and sub-tropics Amongst all the intestinal
perforation is the most serious complication of typhoid fever Typhoid fever is caused by Gram negative
bacillus Salmonella typhi and is contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or food The ingested
bacteria enter the blood stream via peyerrsquos patches multiply in RE system during next 14 days and then
spread hematogenously This phase is corresponding with onset of clinical symptoms Bacteria reach the
gut wall via blood stream or bile and concentrate in peyerrsquos patches of terminal ileum which swell There
is an associated mesenteric adenitis Ulceration of the payerrsquos patches in a cranio caudal access of bowel
occurs and complicated by hemorrhage or perforation which most frequently is on the anti-mesenteric
border of terminal ileum Perforation usually occurs 8 to 11 days after the onset of clinical symptom2
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of ilum but
may involve greater part of small intestine The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with
large mononuclear phagocytes so that the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated
with hyperplasia leads to vascular obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and
formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges The long axis of the ulcer
lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The ulcers are usually shallow
but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so
23
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
that the floor of the ulcer is formed by muscularis propria or the serosal layer If extensive may lead to
erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers usually heal by scaring without
causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not encircle the intestine
Sudden acute abdominal pain followed by guarding and rigidity of the abdomen cessation of bowel
sounds loss of liver dullness vomiting gas under the diaphragm is typical of small bowel perforation
The patient with typhoid fever usually respond in a few days to treatment with chloramphenicol but the
condition of the intestine may not match the clinical improvement and perforation may occur after the
temperature has fallen and patient seems well on the way to recovery
The incidence of perforation varies from 05 ndash 39 of typhoid fever as reported various authors from
different countries
Age and Sex 25-34 There is a male predominance with second and third decades as a peak age group
Table2 Age and
Sex Incidence of
Typhoid
Perforations
Author
Year M F Peak Age (Yrs)
Duration of illness prior to perforation25-34 Three weeks is the duration of illness prior to perforation
Table 3 Duration of illness
prior to Typhoid Perforation
Author
Year Duration (days)
Rowland 1961 5 ndash 16
Dickson and Cole 1964 1 ndash 30
Abdal Meneim 1969 8 ndash 30
Theodore P Welchi 1974 1 ndash 30
Prasad et al 1975 7 ndash 28
Gandhi 1975 4 ndash 9
JM Eustache 1983 7 ndash 14
ROHNrsquoS DISEASE
Incidence41
The disease is as common in men as in women and can strike persons of any age although the
peak age of onset is between the second and fourth decades of life The disease is more common among
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
whites than blacks or Asians A familial tendency is noted but the disease is not inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern
Etiology42
No specific etiology of the disease has been identified
Microbiologists have long sought a specific micro-organism that might be the cause of the disease
Recent reports of the isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from segments of bowel affected with
Crohns disease excited interest but this organism as a specific etiology for the disease has yet to be
proved Also no virus has been identified as an etiologic agent
An immunologic origin of the disease has also been sought Some have postulated that a childhood
sensitization to milk impairs mucosal integrity and allows bacteria or bacteriologic products to enter the
body A cellular and humoral immune response to these products then ensues The ileocolic epithelium in
particular may be the target of a necrotizing immune response with ensuing ulceration tissue destruction
and the clinical appearance of the disease Although an immunologic response certainly plays a role in the
pathogenesis of the condition its role as an etiologic agent is still unclear
Smoking may exert a stimulating effect on the disease many patients with Crohns disease are heavy
smokers
39
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Pathology
Location of Lesions
Crohns disease is a generalized inflammatory disorder of the alimentary tract that can involve any
area from the mouth to the anus The disease however is discontinuous and segmental The small
intestine and the large intestine are the most frequent sites of gross macroscopic involvement 55 of
patients had involvement of small and large intestine 30 of small intestine alone and 15 of large
intestine alone
Gross Pathologic Features
Aphthous Ulcers One of the earliest macroscopic signs of Crohns disease is the appearance of
aphthous ulcers in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract These small flat soft ulcers have a whitish
center and a red border They are scattered in the mucosa with normal areas of mucosa in between As the
disease progresses the aphthous ulcers deepen and coalesce penetrating through the entire mucosa and
forming longer ulcers that may reach 1 cm or larger The ulcers remain discontinuous and asymmetrical
They often appear first on the mesenteric border of the bowel and have a linear pattern along the wall of
the intestine Islands of normal mucosa can remain in between the ulcers to give the surface of the bowel a
cobblestone appearance As the ulcers grow and the inflammation spreads the lesions extend deep into the
wall of the bowel through the mucosa and muscularis out to the serosa to form transmural fissures and
thornlike defects The inflammatory response creates a thickening of the bowel wall and a narrowing of its
lumen the so-called rubber-hose intestine The inflammatory response on the serosa and adjacent
mesentery also thickens these structures and the fat of the
40
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
mesentery creeps around the side of the bowel to add to the thickening The intestinal lymphatic
vessels are engorged and the lymph nodes in the adjacent mesentery are enlarged
Crohns disease is characterized pathologically by
bull Sharply demarcated and transmural involvement of the bowel by an inflammatory process with
mucosal damage
bull Non caseating granuloma
bull Fissuring and Fistula
Microscopic Features
Focal Chronic Inflammation A chronic inflammatory infiltrate appears in the mucosa and submucosa and
extends transmurally through the bowel wall The areas of inflammation are focal and scattered in
between areas of uninvolved bowel Distortion of the normal architecture of the intestinal crypts
accompanies the inflammation
Granulomas A characteristic microscopic lesion of Crohns disease is the granuloma which appears in the
mucosa submucosa or elsewhere in the wall of the bowel or its adjacent lymph nodes in association with
the chronic inflammatory response
Diagnosis is based on the history physical findings and appropriate laboratory tests The physical
findings include the palpation of the thickened bowel wall or adjacent inflammatory response or abscesses
in the abdomen Hyperactive bowel tones are heard using auscultation and peristaltic rushes in the small
intestine may even be seen through
41
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
a thin abdominal wall Abdominal distention occurs On inspection the perianal skin appears bluish and
perianal fissures abscesses and fistulas can be identified
Colonoscopy delineates the extent of the lesions in the large intestine The hallmarks of Crohns disease
are the discontinuous and asymmetrical nature of the endoscopic findings Biopsies taken during
endoscopy show chronic inflammation and sometimes granulomas
Roentgenographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using BaSO4 reveals the ulcerating
lesions scattered in a segmental irregular pattern along the wall of the involved intestine producing
irregular areas of ulceration luminal narrowing and thickened bowel wall Proximal dilatation of the
bowel accompanies obstructing lesions Long lengths of narrowed terminal ileum may reduce the caliber
of the lumen to the size of a string (the string sign) Areas of dilatation may alternate with areas of
constriction The cobblestone appearance of the mucosa may be apparent as may the rake ulcers Fissures
fistulas and perienteric abscesses may be found Computed axial tomography may help delineate
thickened bowel perienteric abscesses and perforations Free air in the abdomen is present with free
perforation
Perforation Acute perforation with a diffuse spreading peritonitis is rare and alarming manifestation of
regional enteritis
Treatment43
Simple suture is quite inappropriate and comes with high mortality Resection is necessary but primary
end-to-end anastomosis is restricted to only those patients who are
42
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
healthy without gross peritoneal soiling If this is present thorough peritoneal lavage debridement with
antibiotic lavage is given
Ileocoloecostomy with reestablishment of intestinal continuity at later date is considered
43
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
SMALL INTESTINE TRAUMA44
The incidence of small bowel injury secondary to blunt trauma ranges from 5 to 15 and
approaches 50 for all penetrating abdominal injuries
Injuries to the small intestine following blunt trauma may be due to three mechanisms (1) crush injury
between the vertebrae and the anterior abdominal wall (2) sudden increase in the intraluminal pressure
and (3) tears at the junction of a mobile and a fixed segment of bowel Motor vehicle accidents child
abuse bicycle accidents and assorted falls account for most of these injuries The sudden deceleration
causes the mobile portion of the bowel to move away from its point of fixation (ligament of Treitz
ileocecal junction sites of adhesions) causing a tangential tear Rarely adhesions involve a portion of the
bowel in such a manner that during sudden compression of the abdomen a closed-loop phenomenon is
created with a resultant blow-out of the area Occasionally direct trauma from a blow or seat belt may be
responsible for the damage that occurs at the point of impact The association of chance-type lumbar
fracture with intestinal injuries in children and adults wearing only a lap belt restraining device has now
been recognized with sufficient frequency as to require its exclusion
Clinical features
Most patients with a perforated small intestine exhibit some evidence of peritoneal irritation and
may have frank abdominal rigidity Lacerations of the lower small bowel may be particularly deceptive
however because surrounding loops may wall off the damaged area quickly and efficiently In such cases
the patient may appear surprisingly well for days demonstrating only mild localized tenderness Free air
may not
44
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
be visible radiographically and bowel sounds may persist Such patients may eat and have bowel
movements for a week or more before fever and other signs of intraperitoneal sepsis appear Occasionally
damage may occur to the mesentery without involving the bowel Minor tears are of little significance but
large hematomas may ultimately compress the adjacent mesenteric vessels and cause intestinal ischemia
with later perforation
Investigation
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is 95 accurate in identifying small bowel injury Diagnostic errors
are generally due to small intestinal perforations with minimal bleeding that have developed delayed signs
of peritonitis CT scanning is less precise and requires both oral and intravenous contrast agents and
careful inspection for the presence of bowel wall thickening mesenteric hematoma or fluid of nonblood
density pooling in the pelvis The presence of any of these signs particularly when combined with
abdominal tenderness or absent bowel sounds warrants further emergency evaluation or surgical
exploration
During any laparotomy for possible intra-abdominal injuries the entire small bowel should be
meticulously examined Each tear as it is encountered should be clamped or quickly sutured to prevent
further leakage and contamination of the peritoneal cavity during the remainder of the exploration The
wounds of entrance and exit on the abdominal wall cannot be used to predict the likely site of a small
bowel injury because of the mobility of the small intestine and the variability of the patients position at
the time of injury
45
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Treatment
Simple lacerations of the small bowel are sutured with a single layer of interrupted nonabsorbable
Lembert sutures after removal of any tissue that is even questionably nonviable Patients who have
multiple additional injuries shock dilated small bowel or a coagulopathy may benefit from a two-layer
closure to ensure hemostasis Care is taken to avoid excessive narrowing of the bowel by repair Where
damage to the bowel wall is extensive or where multiple tears are situated fairly close to one another
resection of the involved segment rather than repair of the individual perforations is preferred Removal of
the extensively damaged intestine is generally safer provided that a sufficient length of viable bowel
remains to permit adequate absorption of food
46
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hollow viscous perforations are due to peritonitis
10487131048713Systemic
bull Bacteremia endotoxic shock
bull Broncho pneumonia respiratory failure
bull Renal failure
bull Marrow suppression
bull MOF
10487131048713Abdomen
bull Wound infection
bull Wound dehiscence
bull Incisional hernia
bull Obstruction
bull Paralytic ileus
bull ResidualRecurrent abscess
bull Portal pyemialiver abscess
INTRODUCTION
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Small bowel perforation is commonly encountered in surgical practice The different modes of
presentation of cases may be misleading in the diagnosis of its origin It is necessary to know the current
surgical procedures for different perforations to manage such a case
An effort has been made here to know the different modes of
presentation diagnosis and management of perforation
Perforation of the small bowel especially duodenum amp terminal ileum is a common abdominal
emergency faced by the general surgeon Perforation of the small bowel from a wide variety of causes
comprises the majority of emergency surgical admissions
Perforation of the small bowel is relatively uncommon in western societies except in regions where
typhoid tuberculosis and parasitic infestation are endemic
The preeminent complication of typhoid is perforation seen in 3rd week The terminal ileum is the
main site of perforation
The perforated viscus challenges the surgeonrsquos skill as a technician and his knowledge of pre-
operative intra-operative and post-operative care of severely ill surgical patient
Majority of the patients present with sudden onset of abdominal pain A high index of suspicion is
essential to diagnose hollow viscus perforation early as significant mortality and morbidity results from
diagnostic delay
Surgery plays an important role in the management of perforations Evaluation and management of gastro
intestinal perforation provide some of the most challenging experiences for a surgeon with the advent of
new technology
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
This study is undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence etiological factors clinical features and various
surgical procedures for gastro intestinal perforations its complications in our institute
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Small bowel perforations amp duodenal perforations presents as acute pain in abdomen There are
many etiological factors that can lead to perforations
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
The perforations are sequely of ulcers of gastrointestinal mucosa
Duodenal ulcers amp small bowel ulcers are caused by infective or traumatic means
The foremost etiological factor comes forward is ulcers due to Acid peptic disease Typhoid ulcers ulcers
due to intestinal tuberculosis amp Crohnrsquos disease
ACID PEPTIC DISEASE
Duodenal ulcers due to APD presents as an acute emergency Patients give history of dyspepsia
acidity burning sensation
Most occur in the first part of the duodenum A chronic ulcer penetrates the mucosa and into the
muscle coat leading to fibrosis The fibrosis causes deformities such as pyloric stenosis When an ulcer
heals a scar can be observed in the mucosa Sometimes there may be more than one duodenal ulcer
The situation in which there is both a posterior and an anterior duodenal ulcer is referred to as
lsquokissing ulcersrsquo Anteriorly placed ulcers tend to perforate and in contrast posterior duodenal ulcers tend
to bleed sometimes by eroding a large vessel such as the gastroduodenal artery
Occasionally the ulceration may be so extensive that the entire duodenal cap is ulcerated and
devoid of mucosa With respected to the giant duodenal ulcer malignancy in this region is so uncommon
that under normal circumstances surgeons can be confident that they are dealing with benign disease even
though from external palpation it may not appear so
Acid peptic disease is major reason in duodenal perforations
In contrast to this typhoid ulcers occurs in terminal part of ileum
TYPHOID
Intestinal lesions which are confined to the lymphoid tissue are most marked in the lower part of
ilum but may involve greater part of small intestine
The Peyers patches and solitary follicles are crowded with large mononuclear phagocytes so that
the lymphoid masses project above the surface Edema associated with hyperplasia leads to vascular
obstructions necrosis and consequent death of the covering mucosa and formation of an ulcer
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
The typhoid ulcers are ovoid or round in shape with irregular undermined edges
The long axis of the ulcer lie along the long axis of the bowel along which lies the peyerrsquos patches The
ulcers are usually shallow but the sub-mucosa is often perforated so that the floor of the ulcer is formed by
muscularis propria or the serosal layer
If extensive may lead to erosion of the blood vessels or perforation of the gut wall The ulcers
usually heal by scaring without causing intestinal obstruction as the scar do not
encircle the intestine
Like this there are many pathophysiological factors that can come across the study of Small bowel
perforations amp duodenal perforations
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
METHODOLOGY
This study carried out over a span of 3 years extending from July-Aug 2010 to Dec 2013 of 50 patients
admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel perforation with peritonitis
Only patients who will undergo surgery will be included The data shall be collected by purposive
sampling with respect to their age and sex
A detailed clinical history will be obtained for all the patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints
A thorough physical examination will be done for all patients Vital signs will be recorded
Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration shall be looked for in all
patients
Absence or decreased bowel sounds will also recorded
The investigations which will be particularly asked for are white cells counts Blood routine
An Erect Abdomen X-ray will be done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under the
diaphragm
All patients will be operated upon after adequate resuscitation Patients will be subjected for per-
cutaneous intraperitoneal drainage when patients GC is not good for anaesthesia Patients will be
subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
The perforation shall be managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
The surgical procedures undertaken will be recorded Patients will be followed up in the post operative
period to know the post operative complications morbidity and mortality rates
The data shall be analyzed to find the usefulness of clinical features and investigations for the diagnosis
Inclusion Criteria
Patients aged gt 20 years
Patients presenting with Small bowel perforation
Exclusion Criteria
Patients aged lt20years
Patients managed conservatively (non surgically)
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
CONCLUSION
bull A prospective study of 50 patients admitted to Wanless Hospital with a diagnosis of Small Bowel
perforation during the period of Augndash2010 to Julyndash2013 was included under the study
bull Only patients who underwent surgery were included The data was collected by purposive sampling
with respect to their age amp sex
bull Incidence is more in the economically productive age group 2nd ndash 4th decade
bull There was a MF ratio of 41
bull A detailed clinical history was taken for all these patients with an emphasis on the presenting
complaints A thorough physical examination was done for all patients vital signs were recorded
bull Pain abdomen was the presenting symptom in almost all cases under study followed by vomiting
(76) fever (46 ) and distension of abdomen (44) Constipation accounted for only 14 of
cases
bull Presence of Guarding Rigidity rebound tenderness liver dullness obliteration was looked for in all
patients Absence or decreased bowel sounds were also recorded
bull Majority of cases had guarding and rigidity at presentation (84) rebound tenderness (84) absent
bowel sounds were in 72 cases distension of abdomen (66) obliteration of liver dullness
(42) and per rectal tenderness (12)
67
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
bull An Erect Abdomen X-ray was done for all patients to particularly look for presence of gas under
diaphragm Pneumoperitoneum was detected in 70 of cases
bull Patients were subjected for laparotomy with incisions depending on the probable site of perforation
Right Para median incision was employed in 92 of cases
bull The perforations were managed according to the protocol followed in our hospital The surgical
procedures undertaken were recorded
bull In our study the most common cause of Small bowel perforation was Ileal perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis in two layers was the commonly done procedure
bull Patients were followed up in the post operative period to know the post operative complications
morbidity and mortality rates
bull The most common complication in this series was wound infection which accounted for 17 cases
(34) Wound dehiscence was seen in 3 cases Renal failure and ARDS were also part of the
complication
bull Mortality rate in our study was 10 Delay in the surgery and septicemia were associated with high
mortality
68
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
SUMMARY
bull Males are affected 4 times more than females
bull Age groups between 20 and 40 are most commonly involved
bull Pain abdomen is the most common presenting symptom in Small bowel perforation followed by
vomiting fever abdominal distension and constipation
bull Erect abdomen X-ray and USG abdomen are very useful investigation for diagnosis in Small bowel
perforation
bull Resection and anastomosis was the most common procedure employed Primary closure of
perforation also is done for bowel perforations
bull Wound infection was the most common post operative complication
69
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Taylor BA Gastro intestinal emergencies Glimore Ian T Robert Shields Spontaneous perforation
of the gut1st edition WB Saunder company
1992359-79
2 Sleisenger and Fordtran Gastro intestinal and liver disease pathophysiology diagnosis and
management Hamer Davidson H Sherwood L Gorbach Infectious diarrhea and bacterial food
poisoning 7th edition WB Saunder company 20021882-851889-1901
3 William Schumer and Sheldono Burman The perforated viscus diagnosis and treatment in surgical
emergencies Nyhus Lloyd The surgical clinics of North America 197252(1) 231-38
4 Christopher J Bulstrode and RCG Russel Jermy Thompson The peritoneum omentum mesentry
and retroperitoneal space Bailey and Loversquos Short Practice of Surgery Page No 1133 ndash 1152
24th edition 2004
5 Thal Erwin R abdominal trauma The surgical clinics of North America 1990 70(3) 517-75
6 Singai Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1964 26440-50
7 Bhansali SK Desai AN Abdominal tuberculosis Indian journal of surgery 1968 30218-19
8 Shukla and Das P clinical diagnosis of Abdominal tuberculosis British journal of surgery 1976
63941-46
9 Nair SK Singhal VS Sudhir Kumar Non-traumatic intestinal perforationIJS 1981 43(5)371-78
10 Beniwal Udai Singh Jindal Dinesh Sharma Jagdish Jain Sumita Shyam Ghan
Comparative study of operative procedures in typhoid perforation IJS
2003 65(2) 172-177
11 Hirsch J E Arhens E H Jr and Blankenhorn D H Measurement of the human intestinal
length in vivo and some causes of variation Gastroenterology 31274 1956
70
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
12 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed Goss C M (Ed) Philadelphia Lea amp Febiger
1966
13 Code C F (Ed) American Physiological Society Handbook of Physiology Section 6
Alimentary Canal Baltimore Williams amp Wilkins 1967ndash1968
14 Bloom W and Fawcett D W A Textbook of Histology 9th ed Philadelphia W B Saunders
1968 p 560
15 Marsh M N and Swift J A A study of the small intestinal mucosa using the scanning electron
microscope Gut 10940 1969
16 Kutchai H The gastrointestinal system In Berne R M and Levy M N (Eds) Principles of
Physiology 3rd ed St Louis Mosby Year Book 1993 p 614
17 Hoffman A F A physicochemical approach to the intraluminal phase of absorption
Gastroenterology 5056 1966
18 Visscher M D Fetcher E S Jr Carr C W Gregore H P Bushey M S and Barker D E
Isotopic tracer studies on the movement of water and ions between intestinal lumen and blood
Am J Physiol 142550 1944
19 Turnberg L A Bieberdorf F A Morawski S G and Fordtran J S Interrelationships of
chloride bicarbonate sodium and hydrogen transport in human ileum J Clin Invest 49557
1970
20 Scratcherd T and Grundy D The physiology of intestinal motility and secretion Br J
Anaesth 563 1984
21 Grossman M I Spectrum of biological actions of gastrointestinal hormones In Anderson S
(Ed) Nobel Symposium XVI Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Hormone Research Stockholm
Almqvist amp WiksellGebers Forlag 1973
22 Tomasi T B Jr Human immunoglobulin A N Engl J Med 2791327 1968
23 Ladha A Gastro intestinal perforations IJS 1988 50500-505
24 Mansonrsquos Tropical diseases Gordan Cook Alimuddin Jumla20th ednWBSaunderrsquos
publications849-873
25 Dickson JA Cole GJ Perforation of the terminal ileum A review of 38 cases Br J Surg 1964
51893-7
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
26 Archampong EQ Typhoid ileal perforation Why such mortalities British Journal of Surgery
1979 April 63(4) 317-21
71
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
27 Rowland HA The complication of Typhoid fever Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene1961
June 64143-152
28 Chambers Clinet E perforation of ileum Archives of surgery1972 105550-552
29 Theodore P Welchi Nimith C Martin Surgical diagnosis of typhoid perforation The Lancet1975
11078-80
30 Gandhi GM Desai GB Srikantaiah RTanga MR typhoid entric perforation Quarterly journal of
surgical science1975 11137-142
31 Kim JP Oh SK Jarret F Management of ideal perforation due to typhoid fever Ann Surg 1975
18188-91
32 Eagleton FC Santoshi B Singh CM Typhoid perforation of bowel Annals of surgery1979
19031-35
33 Swadia ND Trivedi PM Thakkar AM Problem of enteric ileal perforation Indian J Surg 1979
41643-651
34 Jean Marie Eustache David J Kras Typhoid perforation of intestine Archives of surgery1983
Nov 1181269-71
35 Sepaha GC Khandekar JD Chabra MC Enteric perforation A study of 60 cases
Journal of Indian Medical Association1970 June 16 54(12) 558-61
36 Huckstep RL Recent advances in the surgery of typhoid fever Ann Roy Coll Surg Engl
196026207-10
36 Bhansali SK Gastrointestinal perforation a clinical study of 96 cases J Postgrad Med 1967 131
37 Bhansali SK Abdominal tuberculosis American journal of gastro enterology1977 67324-37
38 Kapoor VK Acute tubercular abdomen IJS 1991 53(3) 71-75
39 Joshi MJ Surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis- A conservative approach IJS 1978
40(3) 78-83
40 Bhansali SK The challenge of abdominal tuberculosis in 310 cases IJS 1978Feb 65-77
41 Hellers G Crohns disease in Stockholm County 1955ndash1974 A study of epidemiology results of
surgical treatment and long-term prognosis Acta Chir Scand (Suppl) 4901 1979
42 Mekhjian H S Switz D M Melnyk C S Rankin G B and Brooks R K Clinical features
and natural history of Crohns disease Gastroenterology 77898 1979
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
72
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
43 Andrews H A Keighley M R Alexander-Williams J and Allan R N Strategy for
management of distal ileal Crohns disease Br J Surg 78679 1991
44 R Scott Jones Courtney M Townsend Jr Trauma Sabiston Textbook of surgery 17th ed Vol1
Pg 819-820 Saunders 2004
73
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
1 Gray H Anatomy of the Human Body 28th ed
2 Journal of Indian Medical Association
3 Harrisonrsquos internal medicine 17rsquoth edition
4 Baileyrsquos amp loversquos Short practice of surgery 24rsquoth edition
5 Schwartzs Principles of Surgery - 9th Edition
6 Management of IV FLUIDS in surgery ndash Dr Pandya
7 Sabiston Textbook of Surgery 18th Edition
8 Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology 23rd Edition
PROFORMA
Topic Surgical management of duodenal amp small bowel
Perforation
Case No
Name Hospital No
Age Sex
Address
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
DOA DOO
DOD
History
Chief Complaints
Pain - Yes No
Time of onset Mode of onset
Site
Character Degree ndash Mild mod severe
Radiation according to site of pain
Aggravating Relieving factors
Food ndash increase decrease
Movement ndash increase decrease
Vomiting - Yes No
Time of onset
Frequency
Contents
Projectile non projectile
relation to pain ndash incre decre
Distension of abdomen Yes No
Time of onset
Relation to pain ndash incre decre
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Bowels
Last evacuated
Constipation Diarrhoea
Fever- Yes No
Duration- Degree Chills Rigors
HO Drug Intake-
Past History
HO ndash Haemetamesis Malena TB Previous
treatment Surgery Hypertension Diabetes Asthma
Family history
Personal history Smoking alcoholism
Food habits Regular irregular
General Examination
Consciousness
Built Nourishment
Hydration
Pulse min
BP mm of Hg
Temp
Pallor
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Systemic Examination
Per Abdominal Examination
Inspection
Shape
Umbilicus
Scars of pre surgery
Hernial orifices
Palpation
Tenderness ndash site
Guarding rigidity ndash Yes No
Rebound tenderness ndash Yes No
Organomegaly ndash Yes No Mass
Percussion note over abdomen
Obliteration of liver dullness Yes No
Shifting dullness Yes No
Auscultation
Bowel sounds ndash
Frequency
Character
Per rectal
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Per vaginal
Other systems
CVS
RS
CNS
PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS
Haemogram -
Blood sample for cross matching
Urine-
Biochemistry-
S Electrolytes
Urea S creat
BSL (R) -
Serology -
HIV (spot) HBsAg Hepatitis C-
Radiological investigations
1 X-rayndashabdomen erect ndash
Air under diaphragm
Air fluid level
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Other findings
2 CXR
3 Ultrasonography-
4 Other ndash CT scan
Pre-op treatment
Antibiotics
IVF
Gastric aspiration
Others
Operative details
Anaesthesia-
Incision
Laparotomy findings
Type of procedure definitive surgery
Drain ndashput not put
Closure ndashsingle layered Layered closure
Post-op Management
IVF
Antibiotics
H2 blockers PPI
Blood transfusions
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Rylersquos tube aspiration-
Oral feeds started on
RT removed on
Drain removal
Suture removal
Complications
General ndash
Pulmonary renal toxemia thrombosis others
Local
Treatment of complications
Conditions on discharge -
Follow up
1rsquost-
2rsquond-
3rsquord-
4rsquoth-
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum
Mucosa amp musculature of jejunum
mucosa amp musculature of ileum