perforation

a hole that forms in a hollow organ, tissue or tube, e.g. the stomach, eardrum, etc. In particular, it is serious development of an ULCER in the STOMACH or bowels because, on perforation, the INTESTINE contents, with BACTERIA , enter the peritoneal cavity (see PERITONEUM ), causing PERITONITIS . This is accompanied by severe pain and SHOCK , and usually corrective surgery is required.