Topic Overview

Complications of peptic ulcer may include bleeding, perforation, penetration, or obstruction.

Bleeding

Peptic ulcers sometimes bleed.

• Sometimes an ulcer may involve just the surface lining of the digestive tract. The person may then have a slow but constant loss of blood into the digestive tract. Over time, anemia may develop because of this slow blood loss.
• If ulcers become larger and extend deeper into the digestive tract lining, they may damage large blood vessels, resulting in sudden, serious bleeding into the intestinal tract.

If you are vomiting blood and/or material that looks like coffee grounds, or if you have stools that are black, look like tar, or are maroon or bloody, see a doctor immediately. The chances of successfully treating your ulcer are best if you see a doctor when you first notice any bleeding.

Perforation

Perforation occurs when an ulcer eats through the wall of the stomach or intestine into the abdominal (belly) cavity.

• Although perforation is a much less frequent complication than bleeding, it is still a significant problem in people who have unsuspected or untreated peptic ulcers.
• As people use more nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the incidence of perforation is increasing.
• When perforation occurs, partially digested food, bacteria, and enzymes from the digestive tract may spill into the belly cavity, causing inflammation and infection (peritonitis).
• Peritonitis usually causes sudden and severe pain. Treatment usually requires urgent hospitalization and surgery.