This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Routine use of laparoscopic repair for perforated peptic ulcer. BJS 2004; 91: 481-484.
Published: 20th February 2004
Authors: W. T. Siu, C. H. Chau, B. K. B. Law, C. N. Tang, P. Y. Ha, M. K. W. Li et al.
Background
Laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer was reported in 1990 but has not gained wide acceptance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic repair for perforated peptic ulcer in routine clinical practice.
Method
This was a prospective analysis of 172 patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of a perforated peptic ulcer between July 1997 and June 2003.
Results
One hundred and seventy‐two patients of mean age 54 (range 14–93) years had perforated peptic ulcer diagnosed by laparoscopy. There were 172 duodenal ulcers, 22 prepyloric and 13 non‐juxtapyloric gastric ulcers. One hundred and sixty‐five patients underwent omental patch closure of perforations; there were six Pólya gastrectomies and one ulcerectomy. Thirty‐seven patients (21·5 per cent) required conversion to laparotomy. The mean operating time was 64·8 (range 14–180) min. The median postoperative requirement for intramuscular pethidine was one dose. The median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days. Complications occurred in 28 patients (16·3 per cent) resulting in three reoperations. Six patients with intra‐abdominal collections were managed by percutaneous drainage. Two patients who underwent conversion developed a wound infection. Fourteen patients (8·1 per cent) died, 11 of whom were American Society of Anesthesiologists grade III and IV.
Conclusion
Laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer is a safe emergency procedure in routine clinical practice for patients with perforated pyloroduodenal ulcer. Copyright © 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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