GASTRIC PERFORATION CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Gastric perforation is a serious complication of peptic ulcer disease. If not treated promptly, it can rapidly lead to peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining) and become life-threatening.

Recently, doctors from the General Surgery Department at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital successfully treated a case of gastric perforation caused by excessive alcohol use.

At 9:30 PM on June 10, 2024, a 64-year-old male patient from Dong Nai, identified as T.T., was admitted to the emergency department with severe epigastric pain (upper abdominal pain above the navel), which had spread throughout the abdomen. He also reported chest tightness and left shoulder fatigue.

Upon admission, the patient underwent a clinical examination and diagnostic tests. Endoscopy, abdominal CT scan, and upright abdominal X-ray revealed free air and fluid in the abdominal cavity, indicating a perforated viscus. Doctors diagnosed peritonitis due to gastrointestinal perforation, requiring emergency surgery.

Dr. Nguyen Trung Duong, MMed, Specialist Level II, the primary surgeon, explained that gastric perforation can result from many causes: benign ulcers (due to stress), poor eating habits, long-term use of corticosteroid-containing anti-inflammatory drugs, cancer, trauma (such as stab wounds), or complications during gastrointestinal procedures (like endoscopy). In this case, chronic alcohol consumption was the primary cause of gastric ulcer perforation.

Within just one hour of admission, the surgical team, led by Dr. Nguyen Trung Duong, MMed, Specialist Level II and Dr. Mai Van Dung, MMed, Specialist Level I, performed an emergency laparotomy to repair a 1×1 cm perforation in the stomach, clean the contaminated fluid, and place a drain. The surgery was successful, and the patient was discharged after 7 days of treatment.

Dr. Duong emphasized that gastric perforation is a high-risk surgical emergency that requires early detection and immediate treatment. Gastric fluids can leak into the abdominal cavity within the first 6 hours, triggering peritonitis. If delayed, the patient may develop septic shock and multiple organ failure, potentially leading to death. Fortunately, in this case, the patient arrived in time and was operated on quickly, before the infection had spread extensively — making post-operative recovery easier. The surgical team was able to complete both preoperative preparation and surgery within just one hour. At that point, the amount of pus and infection in the abdominal cavity was still limited, making post-operative treatment more manageable. As a result, it is crucial that the patient adopts a healthier lifestyle to prevent recurrence.

Alcohol – A Common Culprit Behind Gastric Ulcers

Regular alcohol consumption is one of the main causes of gastric ulcers in men. Even small amounts of alcohol can increase acid production in the stomach, irritating the gastric lining and leading to gastritis. Heavy or long-term alcohol use worsens existing ulcers and increases the risk of gastric perforation if not detected and treated promptly.

Signs and Symptoms of Gastric or Duodenal Perforation

• Main symptoms: 
  • Sudden, intense epigastric pain, often described as knife-like, which quickly spreads throughout the abdomen
  • Severe pain, making the patient afraid to move or turn
• In the early stage: pale face, cold sweats, low body temperature, slightly reduced blood pressure, followed by a temporary return to normal
• In the bacterial peritonitis stage: high fever, rapid pulse, decreased urine output
• In the late stage: bowel paralysis, abdominal bloating, constipation
• Classic signs of generalized peritonitis: the patient lies still, avoids breathing movements due to pain, the abdomen is rigid like a board, and liver dullness may disappear

Doctor’s Advice: Don’t Ignore Your Stomach Health

According to Dr. Nguyen Trung Duong, MMed, Specialist Level II, Vice Head of the General Surgery Department, this case is a reminder to adopt healthier eating and lifestyle habits and to limit alcohol consumption. Do not ignore symptoms like burning pain in the upper abdomen, acid reflux, or belching, which could be signs of gastric or duodenal ulcers. Seek medical advice early to receive proper treatment and avoid serious complications such as perforated ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or even stomach cancer.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital accepts both public health insurance and private health insurance.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital

No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotline: 18006767

info@nih.com.vn

BRC: No. 0312088602, issued on December 14th, 2012 by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City. Medical Examination and Treatment License No. 230/BYT-GPHĐ, issued by the Ministry of Health.