anyone have an experience with a perferated bowel?

my father was hospitalized yet again today. this time they believe it to be a perferated bowel. He is going for surgery at 1. Please fill me in on what this is and tell me he will be fine. Thanks

Re: anyone have an experience with a perferated bowel?

My grandmother had it. They perforated her bowel during a colonoscopy. It was scary. She did some time in the ICU but her case was complicated by advanced stages of cancer so her weakened immune system made it worse.

The problem, from my understanding, is that when the bowel empties into the stomach cavity, you can develop infectious peritonitis which is an inflammation of the stomach cavity.

I remember she had to have a tube into her stomach to help drain bile, it came out her nose. It's a bit jarring to see if you're not prepared for it (the stuff running through the tube may be black/dark green) but the tube is a good thing. He will probably need to be on bowel rest until he is healed, so he will get foods via an IV (TPN - total parenteral nutrition). My gram was only allowed to have ice chips and these sponge things to relieve mouth dryness. She also got IV antibiotics. She was in ICU for a couple of days but she was moved within a day or two post surgery. She left the hospital and came home, infection healed, about a week or so after the surgery.

Hugs to you and your dad, prayers and positive thoughts coming your way.

Re: anyone have an experience with a perferated bowel?

Thanks. I was afraid of the recovery. I hate seeing my dad that way. He is supposed to be the strong man i remember growing up. Now hes 70 and falling apart. It hurts to see