Actor Matthew Perry undergoes tracheostomy in Los Angeles hospital — 5 insights

Former "Friends" star Matthew Perry underwent surgery to repair a gastrointestinal perforation, Radar Online reports.

Here's what you should know:

1. Mr. Perry, 48, was rushed to the hospital with "severe stomach pains," a source told Radar.

2. Mr. Perry experienced medical complications and was transferred to a second Los Angeles facility's intensive care unit.

3. He underwent a tracheostomy, which involves surgically creating an opening in the neck for access to the throat.

4. A gastrointestinal perforation occurs when a hole develops through the stomach, large bowel or small intestine, and can be caused by various diseases such as appendicitis and diverticulitis, People reports.

5. Mr. Perry experienced severe stomach pains in 2001 in the midst of filming "Serving Sara" and "Friends," according to the Daily Mail. Following a physician's advice, Mr. Perry checked into rehab for alcohol and drug addiction at Marina del Rey's now-shuttered Daniel Freeman Hospital in Inglewood, Calif.

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