Of all the organs that our bodies are made of, some are hollow for specific reasons. These would include those that make up the urinary or gastrointestinal tract. In fact, the latter in particular is a series of hollow organs responsible for processing food from the mouth to the anus.
Like any other organs that may be damaged, so is the case with hollow ones. They may suffer trauma in such a way that leads to a perforation or hole. When this happens, the organs’ contents may leak into the abdomen.
The Cleveland Clinic states that any organ perforation, be it the esophagus, pharynx, or fallopian tubes, is a case of medical emergency. In the event of neglect, other life-threatening issues may creep in, including internal bleeding, peritonitis, or sepsis. Organ perforation itself is not much talked about, much less its uncommon reasons.
In this article, we will focus on the little-known causes of organ perforation because they matter. Keep reading to know how delicate hollow organs suffer damage along with the consequences and possible treatment options.
Transmural Invasive Candida Infection
We just mentioned in the introduction how organ perforation can lead to serious infections like peritonitis and sepsis. The other way around is also true. A certain rare fungal infection called transmural invasive candida infection can lead to a hole in the esophagus.
The esophagus is the tube responsible for transporting food from the throat to the stomach. When a person contracts this infection, the yeast enters their bloodstream and travels to different parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes.
Some people are at a higher risk of developing this infection, like premature babies, those with abdominal surgery, and chemotherapy patients. The most common symptoms of this condition include belly and muscular aches, skin rash, low blood pressure, and chills. When the infection starts spreading to the eyes, the patient may experience vision changes and blurriness.
If the brain is affected, memory loss and headaches may occur. This condition is usually treated with antifungal medications. In any case, it must not be ignored as there is a possibility of serious complications to internal organs.
Ingestion of Foreign Objects
This cause is not only less talked about but is also quite rare. When a person swallows a non-edible object, like a magnet or toothpick, that does not belong in the gastrointestinal tract, the same may get perforated. The object may get stuck anywhere from the esophagus to the colon.
Such an ingestion is often a medical emergency because the patient’s organs are at risk of blockage or tear. MedLine Plus shares that children between the ages of six months and three years are most likely to swallow a foreign object. Adults may also do so due to mental illness, intoxication, or dementia.
In many cases, the object may pass through the gastrointestinal tract within a week. The main scare is regarding sharp objects that can cause immense damage. Some of the common symptoms of foreign object ingestion include coughing, choking, noisy breathing, throat or chest pain, and difficulty swallowing saliva.
Defective Medical Devices
Medical device inventions have been a breakthrough for patients. Doctors can use an endoscope to view the body from the inside without surgeries. Similarly, a catheter port is inserted into the bladder to drain the urine freely.
If any such device turns out to be defective or is misused organ perforation may occur. In the above-mentioned devices, a part of it extends outside. Others may be implanted entirely inside the body, and this makes the risk manifold. A case in point would be a transvaginal mesh usually used to treat conditions like pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.
Implanting requires a surgeon’s help. They will create an incision in the vaginal wall and place the mesh in a way that it stays attached to the pelvis. The aim is to support the weakened muscles and tissues of the pelvis and bladder. Though effective, this device has failed to pass safety tests because it can break apart, erode, and migrate to other body parts. This can lead to organ perforation.
According to TorHoerman Law, women have developed chronic pain and infection in the affected area. They have claimed that the device manufacturers shared misleading information about the implants’ safety and effectiveness.
This is why many have filed the transvaginal mesh lawsuit. Attorneys are striving to secure fair compensation for their injured clients. As of August 2024, 95% of these lawsuits have been settled but new filings are still being accepted. Hundreds of thousands of women have been affected and undergone costly corrective surgical procedures.
Forceful Vomiting
Sometimes, an individual may vomit food contents with such a severe force that is more aggressive than normal. As a result, the body expels the waste from the mouth several feet away. This is known as forceful or projectile vomiting.
According to Healthline, this type of vomiting occurs without any warning signs of nausea. It may be a sudden reaction to bacteria or harmful toxins that the body perceives to be a threat. Forceful vomiting must not be confused with purging, an act of forcing oneself to vomit after eating. Purging is a common symptom of eating disorders like bulimia.
A few common causes of forceful vomiting include viral infections, gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain antibiotics. The increased pressure on the esophagus during projectile vomiting can cause a perforation. If this happens, the situation becomes serious and demands immediate medical intervention.
In case of an emergency, the patient will be given necessary electrolytes and fluids to prevent dehydration. Oral medications and dietary changes for a few weeks may be required to heal completely.
As we just observed, any break in the continuity of the bowel or respiratory wall can have serious repercussions. Whether a bag-like hollow organ or one representing a tube, all are designed to be enclosed for good reasons.
Extra care and second opinions go a long way in the case of surgeries, implants, and treatments. If perforation symptoms show up, even a moment’s delay can prove to be too costly. It’s time to gain knowledge, retain it, and apply it for safety and well-being.
