Ruptured Ulcer

Dear Ask The Doctor: My brother has recently had a kidney transplant after being on dyalisis for about four years today he was taken to hospital with severe abdominal pain. They have found the source of the pain to be a ruptured ulcer. What can be done, what can we expect to happen from this point?

Dear Thomas: I realize your concern about your brothers recently diagnosed Ulcer. Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is abdominal pain.Although stress and spicy foods were once thought to be the main causes of peptic ulcers, doctors now know that the cause of most ulcers is the corkscrew-shaped bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. pylori lives and multiplies within the mucous layer that covers and protects tissues that line the stomach and small intestine. Often, H. pylori cause no problems. But sometimes it can disrupt the mucous layer and inflame the lining of the stomach or duodenum, producing an ulcer. Since he had a Renal Transplant, a possibility of receiving immunosuppressants might have also possibly contributed.Certainly a ruptured Ulcer is a complication already established in him, The treatment for perforated ulcer includes medications, lifestyle changes and surgery. Anti Acid medication, Antibiotic Therapy and medication that protects the lining of the Stomach or Intestine might be used. Depending on the size of the rupture and the presence of bleeding surgery might be an option. I suggest you to consult his physician for more information on his specific case. In the meantime he should avoid spicy foods, alcohol, coffee and fatty foods. I wish him a prompt recovery.