The gastrointestinal tract comprises of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. When there is a hole in the wall of any part of the gastrointestinal tract, the condition is called gastrointestinal perforation or ruptured bowel. Gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, appendicitis, gastrointestinal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and abdominal trauma are some of the causes of gastrointestinal perforation. 

Symptoms include abdominal pain and tenderness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and fever and shortness of breath. 

The gastroenterologist wills advise surgery as part of the treatment plan. Once the cause is diagnosed, treatment involves curing the underlying cause and surgery to mend the perforation.