[Ulcer perforating into the free peritoneum. Review of 70 cases].

We retrospectively studied a series of 70 patients admitted between 1977 and 1982 with an acute perforated ulcer. As compared to available data our patient's population is characterized by elevated mean age and by important delay between onset of symptoms and admission. Clinical diagnosis supported by plain X-rays and laboratory was confirmed in 91%. In one patient only, treatment was purely conservative; nine vagotomies, four gastrectomies and fifty-six suture plication were performed. Hospital stage was short (mean: 13,5 days) despite 37% morbidity. Mortality (10%) was close correlated with age and delay between onset of symptoms and treatment.