What is a perforated ulcer?
A person with a perforated ulcer has a hole in the wall of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus, caused by peptic ulcer disease. The perforated ulcer allows food and blood to leak into the abdomen. The food or blood causes severe inflammation of the inside of the abdomen, called peritonitis.

What are the symptoms of a perforated ulcer?
Symptoms of a perforated ulcer include severe abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, abdominal tenderness, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

How does the doctor treat a perforated ulcer?
Treatment for a perforated ulcer requires surgery to repair the hole in the stomach, intestine, or esophagus.