Typhoid Intestinal Perforations: Twenty-six Year Experience

Enteric Fever: Diagnostic Challenges and the Importance of Early Intervention

Enteric fever is a systemic infection caused by highly virulent Salmonella enterica serovars: Typhi and Paratyphi. Diagnosis of enteric fever is challenging due to a wide variety of clinical features which overlap with other febrile illnesses. The current diagnostic methods are limited because of the suboptimal sensitivity of conventional tests like blood culture in detecting organisms and the invasive nature of bone marrow culture. It emphasizes the need to develop improved and more reliable diagnostic modalities. The rising rates of multidrug-resistant Salmonella strains call for an accurate understanding of the current management of the disease. Proper public health measures and large-scale immunization programs will help reduce the burden of the disease. A comprehensive surveillance system can help detect the chronic carrier state and is crucial in understanding antibiotic susceptibility patterns. We conducted an all-language literature search on Medline, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar till May 2022. The following search words and medical subject headings (MeSH) were used: "enteric fever," "Salmonella Typhi," "multidrug-resistant Salmonella," chronic carrier state," "Salmonella detection, "and "typhoid vaccine." We reviewed the literature on clinical features, pathophysiology, new diagnostic tests, and interventions to prevent the disease. This article explores enteric fever and its various clinical features and addresses the emerging threat of multidrug resistance. It focuses on novel methods for diagnosis and prevention strategies, including vaccines and the use of surveillance systems employed across different parts of the world.

Bowel Ischemia Secondary to Campylobacter Enterocolitis: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Campylobacter is the most common cause of diarrheal illness worldwide and is generally self-limiting. We present two cases of Campylobacter enterocolitis complicated by bowel ischemia in a 79-year-old male and a 53-year-old male, both presenting with abdominal pain and diarrhea and elevated lactate and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. CT demonstrated common findings of pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) and portal venous gas. Exploratory laparotomy performed on the former demonstrated extensive small bowel infarction that was noncompatible with life and he was palliated postoperatively. The latter improved clinically after resection of the ischemic section of the small bowel with primary stapled anastomosis and closure. Clinicians need to be aware of the potentially fatal complications of Campylobacter-associated enterocolitis and should maintain a high clinical index of suspicion so that early surgical intervention can be considered in this patient population.

Case Report: Typhoid Fever Complicated by Ileal Perforation in an Urban Slum of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Intestinal perforation is one of the most dangerous complications of typhoid fever and demands urgent hospitalization, diagnosis, and surgical management to reduce morbidity and prevent mortality. Here, we report a case of typhoidal intestinal perforation in a 19 year-old young man detected by passive surveillance during a cluster-randomized trial with Vi-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (Typhoid Vaccine Acceleration Consortium: TyVAC) in an urban slum area in Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The patient presented with a high-grade fever, lower abdominal pain, and vomiting and was admitted to a healthcare facility. Physical examination and preoperative investigations of the patient suggested a presumptive diagnosis of intestinal perforation, and the patient was transferred to a tertiary-level hospital for surgical management. A positive blood culture, intraoperative findings, and histopathology of an intestinal biopsy confirmed ileal perforation due to typhoid fever. This case report highlights the need for prompt diagnosis and appropriate pre- and postoperative management of patients who appear with the symptoms of typhoidal intestinal perforation. This report further demonstrates the importance of systematic surveillance and proper evaluation to determine the true incidence rate of typhoid fever and intestinal perforation in Bangladesh.

Burden of Ileal Perforations Among Surgical Patients Admitted in Tertiary Care Hospitals of Three Asian countries: Surveillance of Enteric Fever in Asia Project (SEAP), September 2016-September 2019

Background

Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) and can lead to systemic illness and complications. We aimed to characterize typhoid-related ileal perforation in the context of the population-based Surveillance of Enteric Fever in Asia Project (SEAP) in Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.

Methods

Between September 2016 and September 2019, all cases of nontraumatic ileal perforation with a clinical diagnosis of typhoid were enrolled from 4 tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, 2 pediatric hospitals in Bangladesh, and 2 hospitals in Nepal. Sociodemographic data were collected from patients or their caregivers, and clinical and outcome data were retrieved from medical records. Tissue samples were collected for histopathology and blood cultures where available.

Results

Of the 249 enrolled cases, 2 from Bangladesh, 5 from Nepal and 242 from Pakistan. In Pakistan, most of the cases were in the 0–15 (117/242; 48%) and 16–30 (89/242; 37%) age groups. In all countries, males were most affected: Pakistan 74.9% (180/242), Nepal 80% (4/5), and Bangladesh 100% (2/2). Blood culture was done on 76 cases; 8 (11%) were positive for S. Typhi, and all were extensively drug resistant (XDR) S. Typhi. Tissue cultures was done on 86 patients; 3 (3%) were positive for S. Typhi, and all were XDR S. Typhi, out of 86 samples tested for histopathology 4 (5%) revealed ileal perforation with necrosis. Culture or histopathology confirmed total 15 (11%) enteric fever cases with ileal perforation are similar to the clinically diagnosed cases. There were 16/242 (7%) deaths from Pakistan. Cases of ileal perforation who survived were more likely to have sought care before visiting the sentinel hospital (P = .009), visited any hospital for treatment (P = .013) compared to those who survived.

Conclusions

Although surveillance differed substantially by country, one reason for the higher number of ileal perforation cases in Pakistan could be the circulation of XDR strain of S. Typhi in Karachi.

Complications and mortality of typhoid fever: A global systematic review and meta-analysis

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Complications and death are considerable among hospitalized patients with typhoid fever.

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Case fatality ratio of typhoid fever was higher in Africa compared to Asia.

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Among studies in Africa, 20% of patients with typhoid intestinal perforation died.

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Delays in care were correlated with increased typhoid case fatality ratio in Asia.

Objectives

Updated estimates of the prevalence of complications and case fatality ratio (CFR) among typhoid fever patients are needed to understand disease burden.

Methods

Articles published in PubMed and Web of Science from 1 January 1980 through 29 January 2020 were systematically reviewed for hospital or community-based non-surgical studies that used cultures of normally sterile sites, and hospital surgical studies of typhoid intestinal perforation (TIP) with intra- or post-operative findings suggestive of typhoid. Prevalence of 21 pre-selected recognized complications of typhoid fever, crude and median (interquartile range) CFR, and pooled CFR estimates using a random effects meta-analysis were calculated.

Results

Of 113 study sites, 106 (93.8%) were located in Asia and Africa, and 84 (74.3%) were non-surgical. Among non-surgical studies, 70 (83.3%) were hospital-based. Of 10,355 confirmed typhoid patients, 2,719 (26.3%) had complications. The pooled CFR estimate among non-surgical patients was 0.9% for the Asia region and 5.4% for the Africa region. Delay in care was significantly correlated with increased CFR in Asia (r = 0.84; p<0.01). Among surgical studies, the median CFR of TIP was 15.5% (6.7–24.1%) per study.

Conclusions

Our findings identify considerable typhoid-associated illness and death that could be averted with prevention measures, including typhoid conjugate vaccine introduction.

Jejunal multiple perforations for combined abdominal typhoid fever and miliary peritoneal tuberculosis

Typhoid fever and tuberculosis, considered rare diseases in western countries, is still considered a notable problem of health issue in developing countries. The gastrointestinal manifestations of typhoid fever are the most common and the typhoid intestinal perforation (TIP) is considered the most dangerous complication. Abdominal localization of tuberculosis is the 6^th most frequent site for extra pulmonary involvement, it can involve any part of the digestive system, including peritoneum, causing miliary peritoneal tuberculosis (MPT). This is the case report of a 4 years old girl with multiple jejunal perforations in a setting of contemporary miliary peritoneal tuberculosis and typhoid fever occurred in "Hopital Saint Jean de Dieu" in Tanguietà, north of Benin. The patient was admitted in the emergency department with an acute abdomen and suspect of intestinal perforation, in very bad clinical conditions, underwent emergency laparotomy. The finding was a multiple perforations of the jejunum in a setting of combined abdominal typhoid fever and miliary peritoneal tuberculosis. Typhoid intestinal perforations and peritoneal tuberculosis are a very rare cause of non-traumatic peritonitis in western country, but still common in developing country. Considering the modern migratory flux and the diffusion of volunteer missions all around the world, the western surgeon should know this pathological entities, and the best treatments available, well known by surgeons with experience of working in developing countries. The combination of both TIP and MPT in the same patient, is a very rare finding which can worsen the outcome of the patient itself.

Typhoid Fever Diagnosis in Endemic Countries: A Clog in the Wheel of Progress?

Typhoid fever causes significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries, with inaccurate estimates in some countries affected, especially those situated in Sub-Saharan Africa. Disease burden assessment is limited by lack of a high degree of sensitivity and specificity by many current rapid diagnostic tests. Some of the new technologies, such as PCR and proteomics, may also be useful but are difficult for low-resource settings to apply as point-of-care diagnostics. Weak laboratory surveillance systems may also contribute to the spread of multidrug resistant Salmonella serovar Typhi across endemic areas. In addition, most typhoid-endemic countries employ serological tests that have low sensitivity and specificity making diagnosis unreliable. Here we review currently available typhoid fever diagnostics, and advances in serodiagnosis of S. Typhi.

Bowel Resection and Ileotransverse Anastomosis as Preferred Therapy for 15 Typhoid Ileal Perforations and Severe Peritoneal Contamination in a Very Elderly Patient

Typhoid ileal perforation (TIP) is the most lethal complication of typhoid fever. Although TIP is a surgical emergency by consensus, there is still much controversy regarding the most appropriate surgical approach to be used. Bowel exteriorization and secondary closure are usually recommended for patients presenting late with multiple TIPs and heavy peritoneal soiling. We, however, discuss a unique case of an 86-year-old patient with 15 typhoid ileal perforations successfully treated with one-step surgery comprising bowel resection and ileotransverse anastomosis in a resource-constrained setting of Cameroon.

The unrecognized burden of typhoid fever

INTRODUCTION

Typhoid fever (TF), caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, is the most common cause of enteric fever, responsible for an estimated 129,000 deaths and more than 11 million cases annually. Although several reviews have provided global and regional TF disease burden estimates, major gaps in our understanding of TF epidemiology remain. Areas covered: We provide an overview of the gaps in current estimates of TF disease burden and offer suggestions for addressing them, so that affected communities can receive the full potential of disease prevention offered by vaccination and water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions. Expert commentary: Current disease burden estimates for TF do not capture cases from certain host populations, nor those with atypical presentations of TF, which may lead to substantial underestimation of TF cases and deaths. These knowledge gaps pose major obstacles to the informed use of current and new generation typhoid vaccines.

Typhoid Intestinal Perforations: Has the Clinical Importance Decreased in Eastern Anatolia for 36 Years?

OBJECTIVE

Typhoid fever (TF) is an important health problem in developing countries, and typhoid intestinal perforation (TIP) is a serious complication of TF. The present report aims to determine the clinical importance of TIPs for the last 36 years in our region, eastern Anatolia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical records of 84 surgically treated cases with TIPs were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

When the last 36-year period was sectioned by 6-year periods, the distribution of TIPs was found as 39 (46.4% of total), 31 (36.9%), 7 (8.3%), 4 (4.8%), 2 (2.4%) and 1 (1.2%), respectively. The mean age of the patients was 37.1 years (range: 7-68 years), and 66 patients (78.6%) were male. As a surgical procedure, 34 patients (40.5%) had primary repair, 9 (10.7%) had wedge resection with primary repair, 9 (10.7%) had resection with primary anastomosis, 28 (33.3%) had resection with ileostomy, and 4 (4.8%) had exteriorization. Complications were seen in 71 patients (84.5%), while the mortality rate was 10.7% (9 patients).

CONCLUSION

Although eastern Anatolia is an endemic region for TF, a certain decrease in the incidence of TIPs was found for the last 36 years. Keeping in mind the TIP, patients with TF may improve the prognosis of this serious disease.

Prevalence, morbidity, and mortality patterns of typhoid ileal perforation as seen at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu Nigeria: an 8-year review

BACKGROUND

Some recent studies have reported a decrease in mortality from typhoid ileal perforation. The present report aims to determine the prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of this disease in patients mostly drawn from a rural area.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 50 patients treated between January 1999 and December 2007 at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. The variables studied included patient demographics, clinical features, intraoperative findings, complications, and mortality. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 13.

RESULTS

Of the 50 patients included in the study, 22 were males with the highest rate in patients aged 20 years and younger. Fever was the commonest symptom and at initial presentation, the mean pulse and respiratory rates were significantly higher in the patients who subsequently died than in those who survived (P < 0.05). All the perforations occurred in the ileum; 62 % of the patients had solitary perforations, 28 % had double perforations, and 10 % had three or more. Fifty-eight perforations were treated by simple closure in two layers, 4 patients had ileal resection and anastomosis, and 2 underwent right hemicolectomy. The mean interval between operation and death was 1.7 days. The overall mortality rate was 30 %, but among those with three or more perforations, mortality was 100 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Typhoid ileal perforation still carries a high mortality especially in rural areas. Those with tachycardia and tachypnea at presentation and those with three or more perforations are at a higher risk of dying from the disease.

Case fatality rate and length of hospital stay among patients with typhoid intestinal perforation in developing countries: a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Typhoid fever remains a major health problem in the developing world. Intestinal perforation is a lethal complication and continues to occur in impoverished areas despite advances in preventive and therapeutic strategies.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the case fatality rate (CFR) and length of hospital stay among patients with typhoid intestinal perforation in developing countries.

DATA SOURCES

Peer-reviewed publications listed in PubMed and Google Scholar.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY

The publications containing data on CFR or length of hospitalization for typhoid fever from low, lower middle and upper middle income countries based on World Bank classification. Limits are English language, human research and publication date from 1st January 1991 to 31st December 2011.

PARTICIPANTS

Subjects with reported typhoid intestinal perforation.

INTERVENTIONS

None, standard practice as reported in the publication.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Systematic literature review followed by meta-analysis after regional classification on primary data. Descriptive methods were applied on secondary data.

RESULTS

From 42 published reports, a total of 4,626 hospitalized typhoid intestinal perforation cases and 706 deaths were recorded (CFR = 15·4%; 95% CI; 13·0%-17·8%) with a significant regional differences. The overall mean length of hospitalization for intestinal perforation from 23 studies was 18.4 days (N = 2,542; 95% CI; 15.6-21.1).

LIMITATIONS

Most typhoid intestinal perforation studies featured in this review were from a limited number of countries.

CONCLUSIONS

The CFR estimated in this review is a substantial reduction from the 39.6% reported from a literature review for years 1960 to 1990. Aggressive resuscitation, appropriate antimicrobial coverage, and prompt surgical intervention may have contributed to decrease mortality.

IMPLICATIONS

The quantification of intestinal perforation outcomes and its regional disparities as presented here is valuable in prioritizing and targeting typhoid-preventive interventions to the most affected areas.

Typhoid intestinal perforation: 24 perforations in one patient

Intestine perforation is one of the most dreaded and common complication of typhoid fever remarkably so in developing world; it usually leads to diffuse peritonitis, requiring early surgical intervention. Despite various measures such as safe drinking water supply and safe disposal of waste, intestinal perforation from salmonellosis remains the most common emergency surgery performed. The incidence continues to rise, so also the mortality, despite new antibiotics and improvement in surgical technique. More disturbing is that we now see increasing number of ileal perforations and colonic involvement. We hereby present a case report of 35-year-old male with multiple (24) intestinal perforation in the Ileum and Cecum.

Mortality in typhoid intestinal perforation-a declining trend

BACKGROUND

Typhoid fever is an important public health problem in developing countries. Intestinal perforation is one of the leading fatal complications of typhoid fever. Typhoid perforation occurs more commonly in terminal ileum. Morbidity and Mortality associated with typhoid perforation are high (9-22%). However this study aims to know whether there are any changes of the same.

AIM

To analyse the clinical presentation, management, complications, morbidity and mortality associated with typhoid intestinal perforation and assess changing trends in mortality in typhoid intestinal perforation.

MATERIAL & METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study. Cases regarding the study have been analyzed by reviewing the patient records. It includes 40 patients who were diagnosed with typhoid intestinal perforation, admitted and treated in the Department of General Surgery from February 2011 to January 2012.

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients were considered for the study and their mean age was 35.75 years. 80% of patients were male. Pain abdomen was their main symptom which lasted for an average of 2.95 days. Leukocytosis (11,000 cells/cumm) was present in 57.5% patients. Single perforation was present in 31(77.5%) patients and primary closure was done in 30 of them. Culture sensitivity showed E coli as the main organism. Complications were seen in 42.5% of patients in post-operative period.

CONCLUSION

Early recognition, timely surgical intervention with appropriate surgery and antibiotics, and effective peri-operative care reduces the mortality in typhoid intestinal perforation.

Comparative analysis of primary repair vs resection and anastomosis, with laparostomy, in management of typhoid intestinal perforation: results of a rural hospital in northwestern Benin

Background

The objective is to compare primary repair vs intestinal resection in cases of intestinal typhoid perforations. In addition, we hypothesised the usefulness of laparostomy for the early diagnosis and treatment of complications.

Methods

111 patients with acute peritonitis underwent emergency laparotomy: number of perforations, distance of perforations from the ileocaecal valve, and type of surgery performed were recorded. A laparostomy was then created and explored every 48 to 72 hours. The patients were then divided into two groups according to the surgical technique adopted at the initial laparotomy: primary repair (Group A) or intestinal resection with anastomosis (Group B). Clinical data, intraoperative findings, complications and mortality were evaluated and compared for each group.

Results

In 104/111 patients we found intestinal perforations, multiple in 47.1% of patients. 75 had primary repair (Group A) and 26 had intestinal resection with anastomosis (Group B). Group B patients had more perforations than patients in Group A (p = 0.0001). At laparostomy revision, the incidence of anastomotic dehiscence was greater than that of primary repair dehiscence (p = 0.032). The incidence of new perforations was greater in Group B than in Group A (p = 0.01). Group B correlates with a higher morbility and with a higher number of laparostomy revisions than Group A (p = 0.005).

There was no statistical difference in terms of mortality between Group A and Group B. Presence of pus in the abdominal cavity at initial laparotomy correlates with significantly higher mortality (p = 0.0001).

Conclusions

Resection and anastomosis shows greater morbidity than primary repair. Laparostomy revision makes it possible to rapidly identify new perforations and anastomotic or primary repair dehiscences; although this approach may seem aggressive, the number of operations was greater in patients who had a favourable outcome, and does not correlate with mortality.

Comparative analysis of primary repair vs resection and anastomosis, with laparostomy, in management of typhoid intestinal perforation: results of a rural hospital in northwestern Benin

Background

Wireless esophageal pH monitoring system is an important approach for diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the aim of this study is to test the tolerability and utility of the first wireless esophageal pH monitoring system made in China, and evaluate whether it is feasible for clinical application to diagnose GERD.

Methods

Thirty patients from Department of Gastroenterology of The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University who were suspected GERD underwent JSPH-1 pH capsule. The capsule was placed 5 cm proximal to the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) by endoscopic determination, the data was recorded consecutively for 48 hours. Then all pH data was downloaded to a computer for analysis. The discomforts reported by patients were recorded.

Results

30 patients were placed JSPH-1 pH capsule successfully and completed 24-hour data recording, 29 patients completed 48-hour data recording. One patient complained of chest pain and required endoscopic removal. No complications and interference of daily activities were reported during data monitoring or follow-up period. 48-hour pH monitoring detected 15 patients of abnormal acid exposure, on day1 detected 9 patients, the difference had statistical significance (P<0.01). Positive symptom index (SI) was identified in 3 patients with normal pH data in both 24-hours. In total, 48-hour monitoring increased diagnosis of GERD in 9 patients.

Conclusion

48-hour esophageal pH monitoring with JSPH-1 wireless pH monitoring system is safe, well tolerated and effective. It can be feasible for clinical application to diagnose GERD.

Less Common Nontraumatic Bowel Perforations: Diagnosis and Management through a Retrospective Study

Nontraumatic bowel perforation has always been a consideration because of associated morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to define etiologies, treatment, and outcomes as well as to highlight difficulties in the diagnosis and management of nontraumatic bowel perforation. We conducted a retrospective study of 35 patients with less common nontraumatic bowel perforations hospitalized during a six-year period. The most common cause was ulcerative colitis (34.3%). Abdominal pain was the constant symptom. Physical examination showed signs of peritoneal irritation in 29 cases. The abdominal radiograph failed to reveal abnormal findings in two patients; the abdominal computed tomography scan confirmed the diagnosis in all cases. Twenty patients (57.1%) were operated on within 24 hours of developing perforation, whereas seven patients (20%) were initially misdiagnosed. Most of the perforations were located only in the large intestine (60%). There was only one perforation in 25 patients (71.5%) and two or more perforations in 10 patients (28.5%). Many less common diseases are responsible for the spontaneous perforation of the bowel. Early diagnosis before the patient's general condition deteriorates decreases mortality and morbidity rates. Adequate resuscitation and emergency laparotomy followed by resection with or without anastomosis remains the treatment of choice.

Ileal Perforation in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Gastrointestinal involvement is common in patients of human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Specific gastrointestinal disorders often correlate with degree of immunosuppression. In advance cases of HIV infection GI symptoms are usually part of systemic infection. In such scenario multiple infections are common so failure to diagnose a specific cause is not uncommon. We here present a case study of a patient with ileal perforation with tubercular etiology and its management.

Computed Tomography Features in Enteric Fever

Introduction: Enteric fever is a common infection in endemic areas; however, there are few reports describing the computed tomography (CT) manifestations of enteric fever. We aim to describe and illustrate CT findings in enteric fever in this study. Materials and Methods: A retrospective search of medical records in our institute for patients with positive blood cultures for Salmonella typhi, and Salmonella paratyphi organisms yielded 39 cases. Among these patients, 12 had undergone a CT study of the abdomen. The CT images, laboratory and clinical findings of these 12 patients were reviewed. Results: The most common clinical presentation was fever (100%). Typical features of gastroenteritis were present in only over half of the patients. Liver function tests were abnormal in all patients. The most common abdominal manifestations on CT were the presence of mesenteric lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly (75%). Other features were circumferential small bowel wall thickening (58.3%) and free intraperitoneal fluid (50%). Three patients were found to have complications; one with bleeding from terminal ileal ulceration, another with an ileal perforation and the third with renal abscess formation. Conclusion: CT is useful in evaluating enteric fever in patients with severe forms of presentation, a longer clinical course or less specific symptoms. Although the imaging features overlap with other abdominal infections, when combined with clinical features, travel history to endemic areas and presence of transaminitis, the diagnosis of enteric fever should be considered. CT in particular, is useful for the detection of complications such as perforation, bleeding and abscess formation. Key words: Salmonella infections, Imaging, Typhoid, Paratyphoid

Typhoid intestinal perforations at a University teaching hospital in Northwestern Tanzania: A surgical experience of 104 cases in a resource-limited setting

BACKGROUND

Typhoid intestinal perforation is still prevalent in many developing countries. Despite the advances in the management, the outcome in these patients in resource limited countries is still very poor. This study was to review our experiences on the surgical management of typhoid intestinal perforation and to determine the prognostic factors for mortality in our local setting.

METHODS

This was a combined retrospective and prospective study of patients who were operated for typhoid intestinal perforation at Bugando Medical Centre between August 2006 and September 2011. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS computer software version 15.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients were studied representing 8.7% of typhoid fever cases. Males were affected twice more than the females (2.6:1). Their ages ranged from 8 to 76 years with a median age of 18.5 years. The peak age incidence was in the 11-20 years age group. Fever and abdominal pain were the most common presenting symptoms and majority of the patients (80.8%) perforated between within 14 days of illness. Chest and abdominal radiographs revealed pneumoperitonium in 74.7% of cases. Ultrasound showed free peritoneal collection in 85.7% of cases. Nine (10.2%) patients were HIV positive with a median CD4+ count of 261 cells/μl. The perforation-surgery interval was more than 72 hours in 90(86.5%) patients. The majority of patients (84.6%) had single perforations and ileum was the most common part of the bowel affected occurring in 86.2% of cases. Simple closure of the perforations was the most commonly performed procedure accounting for 78.8% of cases. Postoperative complication rate was 39.4% and surgical site infection was the most frequent complication in 55.5% of cases. Mortality rate was 23.1% and it was statistically significantly associated with delayed presentation, inadequate antibiotic treatment prior to admission, shock on admission, HIV positivity, low CD4 count (< 200 cells/μl), high ASA classes (III-V), delayed operation, multiple perforations, severe peritoneal contamination and presence of postoperative complications (P < 0.001). The median overall length of hospital stay was 28 days.

CONCLUSION

Typhoid intestinal perforation is still endemic in our setting and carries high morbidity and mortality. This study has attempted to determine the factors that statistically influence mortality in typhoid perforation in our environment. Appropriate measures focusing at these factors are vital in order to deliver optimal care for these patients in this region.

Validation of the use of POSSUM score in enteric perforation peritonitis - results of a prospective study

Introduction

The objective of the study was to present our last 5-years experience of peritonitis and validate POSSUM score in predicting mortality and morbidity in patients of enteric perforation (EP) peritonitis.

Methods

Data was collected prospectively for all peritonitis cases admitted in single surgical unit from January 2005 to December 2009. Parameters for calculating POSSUM were also retrieved; in these patients, O:E (Observed vs. Expected) ratio of mortality and morbidity were estimated after calculating predicted mortality and morbidity by exponential regression equations.

Results

887 patients with peritonitis were admitted and treated in this unit during the 5 years of study period. Duodenal (n=431; 48%) followed by ileal (n=380; 42.8%) perforations were the commonest. Mean age of the patients was 34 years and 86% were males. Mean delay in presentation was 78.5 hrs. Mean duration of hospital and ICU stay was 13 and 7.2 days. Postoperative complications were seen in 481 (54%) patients, and 90 (10%) patients died. POSSUM scores and predicted mortality/morbidity were calculated in 380 patients of ileal perforation peritonitis; O:E ratio of mortality and morbidity were 0.47 and 0.85 in these patients.

Conclusion

POSSUM and P-POSSUM are accurate tools for predicting morbidity and mortality respectively in EP patients. Though they may sometime over or under predict morbidity as well as mortality.

Outcome of surgical treatment of intestinal perforation in typhoid fever

AIM: To represent our clinical experience in the treatment of intestinal perforation arising from typhoid fever.

METHODS: The records of 22 surgically-treated patients with typhoid intestinal perforation were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS: There were 18 males and 4 females, mean age 37 years (range, 8-64 years). Presenting symptoms were fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation. Sixteen cases were subjected to segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis, while 3 cases received 2-layered primary repair following debridement, one case with multiple perforations received 2-layered primary repair and end ileostomy, one case received segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis followed by an end ileostomy, and one case received segmental resection and end ileostomy with mucous fistula operation. Postoperative morbidity was seen in 5 cases and mortality was found in one case.

CONCLUSION: Intestinal perforation resulting from Salmonella typhi is an important health problem in Eastern and Southeastern Turkey. In management of this illness, early and appropriate surgical intervention is vital.

Limitations in the role of ulcer edge biopsy in establishing the aetiology of nontraumatic small bowel perforation

Spontaneous small intestinal perforations are common in India. Surgeons operating on patients with an obscure peritonitis should be aware of the diverse aetiologies of small intestinal perforations in order to be able to provide the appropriate management. We reviewed the pathology records of 165 patients operated on for nontraumatic perforations of the small intestines in our hospital between 2005 and 2007. Perforation edge biopsy was diagnostic in 53 cases, with typhoid being the most common aetiology, followed by TB. The majority of cases, however, revealed only a non-specific inflammatory granulation tissue. However, the sensitivity of biopsy diagnosis could be increased by taking additional biopsy material from the mesenteric lymph nodes, tubercles or omental nodules. We conclude that perforation edge biopsy is useful in a third of cases, but the diagnostic rate could be improved by taking additional biopsy material.

A pilot study on the role of T-tube in typhoid ileal perforation in children

BACKGROUND

Ileostomy is usually performed for patients of typhoid intestinal perforation with poor general condition, but it is associated with significant morbidity. We have used the T-tube in such patients as an alternative to ileostomy.

METHODS

This is a prospective evaluation of a cohort of children with proven typhoid intestinal perforation. Patients with multiple perforations and poor general condition were managed with a T-tube inserted into the bowel lumen after closing all distal perforations (group 3). They were compared with patients who had primary closure of perforation (group 1) or bowel resection (group 2) to determine the efficacy of the use of T-tube.

RESULTS

The total number of patients for groups 1, 2, and 3 was 51, 4, and 12 (n = 67). The mean number of perforations for the three groups was 1, 3.5 +/- 0.58, and 4.25 +/- 0.97. The operation time for the three groups was 37.29 +/- 3.24, 59.25 +/- 3.09, and 59.17 +/- 4.17 minutes, respectively. The T-tube was removed after 13.17 days. The mean duration of fistula at T-tube site to heal was 8.58 +/- 2.11 days. The overall follow-up period was 10.94 +/- 1.15 months and none of the patients with T-tube placement had features of intestinal obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with multiple typhoid intestinal perforations and poor general condition, the use of T-tube may be an effective management option.

Risk adjustment is crucial in comparing outcomes of various surgical modalities in patients with ileal perforation

Background

Using crude mortality and morbidity rates for comparing outcomes can be misleading. The aim of the present study was to compare the outcome of various surgical modalities without and with risk adjustment using Physiologic and Operative Severity Scoring for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) score in cases of ileal perforations.

Methods

Prospective study on 125 patients of ileal perforations. Resection anastamosis (Group I) was done in 38 patients, primary repair (Group II) in 42 patients and 45 patients had an ileostomy (Group III). The disease severity was assessed in all patients using POSSUM score. The odds of death without and with risk adjustment using POSSUM mortality score were calculated for all groups

Results

Seventeen patients (14%) patients died and 99 (79%) developed postoperative complications. Using crude mortality rates Group I appeared to be the best treatment option with only 2 (5%) deaths followed by Group II with 5 (12%) deaths where as Group III had the worst outcome with 10 deaths (22%). However, Group III (ileostomy) patients had higher mean POSSUM mortality and morbidity score (55.55%, 91.33%) than Group I (28%, 75.26%) and Group II (27%, 73.59%). Taking Group I as the reference (odds ratio, OR1) odds of death were greatest in Group III (OR 5.14, p = 0.043) followed by Group II (OR 2.43, p = 0.306). With risk adjustment using POSSUM mortality score the odds of death decreased in Group III (OR 1.16 p = 0.875). For the whole group, there was a significant association between the POSSUM score and postoperative complications and deaths. Mean POSSUM mortality and morbidity score of those who died (63.40 vs.33.68, p = 0.001) and developed complications (66.32 vs.84.20, p = 0.001) was significantly higher. For every percent increase in severity score the risk of postoperative complications and death increased by 1.10 (p = 0.001) and1.06 (p = 0.001) respectively.

Conclusion

Despite ileostomy patients having highest crude mortality and complication rates, after risk adjustment it was equally safe. Severity of the disease rather than the surgical option had a significant impact on the outcome in patients with ileal perforations.