Pancreatic ulcer perforation is one of the dangerous complications of ulcer disease. If not detected and treated promptly, this condition can cause peritonitis, septicemia, septic shock, and even life-threatening.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of Surgery, Phuong Dong General Hospital, sudden, severe abdominal pain is an early and important sign. The pain usually starts in the epigastric region with a feeling like a knife stabbing, then quickly spreads throughout the abdomen. Unlike pain caused by common ulcers, pain when punctured is usually severe, not reduced when resting or taking medicine.
When digestive fluids and gases escape into the abdominal cavity, the patient may experience a stiff, severely painful and very sensitive abdomen when touched. The abdomen may be as hard as wood, reflecting peritonitis and requiring emergency medical intervention.
Persistent nausea and vomiting are also notable signs. Patients may vomit digestive juice, even vomit blood if the ulcer causes damage to blood vessels. Vomiting blood is a serious sign, requiring immediate hospitalization.
Fever, especially when the temperature is above 38°C, may appear due to inflammation in the abdominal cavity. Patients may experience fatigue, sweating, rapid heartbeat. If the infection spreads into the blood, the risk of septicemia and septic shock may occur.
In addition, shortness of breath, weakness, and dizziness may appear due to fluids and gases in the abdominal cavity affecting the diaphragm or due to the body falling into a state of shock. Patients may have difficulty breathing deeply, especially when lying straight.
Abdominal distension accompanied by obstructive bowel movements is also a sign to note. The patient cannot fart or defecate, the abdomen becomes increasingly tense. This condition may be accompanied by digestive system dysfunction and peritonitis.
Pancreatic ulcer perforation is a medical emergency condition. When sudden, severe abdominal pain appears, stiff abdomen, continuous vomiting, vomiting blood, fever, shortness of breath or abdominal distension accompanied by constipation, patients need to go to a medical facility immediately for examination and timely treatment.
