Morbidity and mortality of perforated peptic gastroduodenal ulcer following emergency surgery.

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the surgical concept and prognosis of perforated gastroduodenal ulcers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from 102 patients who underwent emergency surgery for peptic ulcer perforation were recorded prospectively. To evaluate morbidity and mortality ulcer perforation was classified into three types: type A, solitary peripyloric ulcer located anteriorly in which laparoscopic closure by suture with omentoplasty was treatment of choice and postoperative endoscopic biopsy was mandatory; type B, perforated ulcer with large defect in which excision and suture was necessary; type C, complicated perforated ulcer with destruction of proximal duodenum and penetration into adjacent organs in which resectional surgery was indicated.

RESULTS

Morbidity and mortality were significantly lower in type A (9%, 4%, respectively) than types B (22%, 20%) and C (34%, 17%). Closure of type A perforation was managed laparoscopically in all cases. Billroth II resection was performed in 75% of type C cases. Age, ASA status, and time of surgery were independent prognostic factors by multivariate analysis, with increased mortality in patients older than 65 years, ASA III and IV, and surgery after 24 h following onset of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Prognosis of perforated ulcer disease is highly correlated with age, comorbid conditions (ASA status), and time of surgery. The proposed classification system helps to determine patients at risk of mortality.