What occurs if an ulcer penetrates the intestinal wall?

When an ulcer penetrates the intestinal wall, it creates a direct opening that allows gastrointestinal contents to leak into the peritoneal cavity. This is a serious condition known as perforation and can lead to peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the peritoneum and can be life-threatening. The presence of intestinal contents in the peritoneal cavity can cause significant inflammation and infection, requiring urgent medical intervention to prevent severe complications.

While it could be thought that damage to the intestinal wall might affect blood supply or the digestive process, the most immediate and critical consequence of a perforated ulcer is the risk of contamination of the peritoneal cavity. Intestinal regeneration is a capability of the tissue under many conditions, but this does not negate the acute problems posed by perforation, which must be addressed first.