Clinical profile and outcome of surgical treatment of perforated peptic ulcers in Northwestern Tanzania: A tertiary hospital experience

Perforated peptic ulcers in children: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Perforated peptic ulcers (PPU) represent a significant complication of peptic ulcers, associated with high mortality. As no systematic review of the literature on PPU in children currently exists, this study aims to summarize findings from studies focusing on its risk factors, etiology, treatment modalities, and outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed on 24 November 2024, using four electronic databases: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. The inclusion criteria were studies published in English, focusing on perforated peptic ulcers in paediatric patients. The exclusion criteria were: studies published in languages other than English; publication formats such as conference abstracts, personal communications, and single case reports; studies focusing on non-perforated peptic ulcers; studies involving participants > 18 years; and studies reporting ulcer perforations outside the stomach or duodenum.

RESULTS

Out of 1963 records identified, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. A total of 239 children with perforated peptic ulcers were analyzed, with a median age of 11 years (range 3.2-16.5 years). The results indicate that ulcer perforations were more prevalent in males (74.8%). Furthermore, duodenal perforations (73%) were more common than gastric perforations (27%). The most commonly reported symptoms were abdominal pain (n = 175, 73.2%), vomiting (n = 82, 34.3%), peritoneal signs (n = 79, 33%), and fever (n = 38, 15.9%). Subdiaphragmatic free air was detected in 141 patients (58.9%). Of the total number of patients, 207 (86.6%) were treated surgically, while 32 (13.4%) received conservative treatment. Regarding the surgical approach, most patients underwent open surgery (n = 143, 69%) compared to laparoscopic repair (n = 64, 31%). Among the surgical procedures, 114 involved simple sutures, with or without an omental patch. Postoperative complications were reported in 30 children (14.5%). Reoperation was required in 4 patients (1.9%), and mortality was recorded in 9 patients (3.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

PPU was more prevalent in males and predominantly located in the duodenum. Ulcer suturing, with or without an omental patch, was the most commonly utilized treatment modality, demonstrating a relatively low complication rate. Further studies are needed to provide more comprehensive and unbiased evidence on PPU in children.

Factors associated with peptic ulcer perforations in Uganda: a multi-hospital cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Perforated peptic ulcer is the worst complication of peptic ulcer disease whose burden is disproportionately higher in low-income settings. However, there is paucity of published data on the patterns of perforated peptic ulcer in the region. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with anatomical patterns of peptic ulcer perforation, as well as the clinical, socio-demographic, and anatomical patterns among patients in Uganda.

METHODS

This was a cross sectional study that enrolled 81 consecutive patients with perforated peptic ulcers. Using a structured pretested questionnaire the social demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained. At surgery, the patterns of the perforations were determined. Logistic regression was done in SPSS version 22 to determine the factors associated with the anatomical patterns.

RESULTS

Perforated peptic ulcer disease was more prevalent among males (79.5%), peasants (56.8%) and those from rural areas (65.4%). Majority of study participants were of blood group O (43.2%). Gastric perforations were more common (74.1%). Majority of the perforations were found anteriorly (81.5%). Being a casual laborer was independently associated with lower odds of having a gastric perforation compared to being a peasant farmer (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Public health campaigns aimed at prevention of peptic ulcer perforations should prioritize the males, peasants and those living in rural areas. When a patient in our setting is suspected to have a peptic ulcer perforation, the anterior part of the stomach should be considered as the most likely site involved more so in peasant farmers.

Impact of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on Surgical Treatment of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Systematic Review

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) poses a significant global healthcare challenge, with an intricate interplay between stomach acid-pepsin levels and mucosal protective mechanisms. The emergence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) as a major etiological factor revolutionized the therapeutic landscape, highlighting the importance of bacterial eradication in PUD management. Surgical intervention remains vital, particularly in cases of perforated peptic ulcers, despite a shift towards conservative approaches. Understanding the impact of H. pylori eradication on surgical outcomes is crucial for optimizing PUD management. This systematic review was conducted to assess how H. pylori eradication treatment impacts surgical results in patients with PUD. The criteria for inclusion involved research studies on individuals aged 18 years and older with a diagnosis of PUD that necessitated surgical treatment. Important results comprised eradication rates, complications after surgery, recurrence rates, and overall outcomes for patients. Two researchers independently screened and extracted data from electronic databases using a thorough search strategy. The evaluation of quality employed standardized instruments for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. Nine research projects met the requirements for inclusion, offering information on the effectiveness of H. pylori elimination treatment on surgical results. Different rates of eradication were noted, with a notable number of patients experiencing postoperative complications. Recurrence of ulcers was a concern, despite treatment, emphasizing the complexity of PUD management. Studies have shown that eradication therapy is effective in certain patient groups, like young men with perforated peptic ulcers. Still, there are obstacles, especially for patients who test negative for H. pylori and experience recurring ulcers. The integration of H. pylori eradication with surgical intervention represents a holistic approach to PUD management. Although eradication therapy has the potential to enhance surgical results, difficulties remain, requiring personalized treatment approaches that consider patients' unique characteristics and the cause of the disease. This research adds to the growing knowledge of PUD treatment, stressing the importance of proper management.

Gastric perforation biopsy: is it obsolete?

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to test the established hypothesis that biopsies of spontaneous gastric perforations should be taken to rule out cancer.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was performed. Consecutive patients with spontaneous gastric perforation were included. Biopsies of the edges of the perforation were submitted for histological evaluation. The epithelial type as well as the nature of the pathology were evaluated.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients were included. Eight (12%) biopsies revealed duodenal origin. Sixty (88%) biopsies revealed gastric mucosa of which 33 (48%) could be specifically typed. All biopsies revealed benign ulceration. No malignancies were detected in these biopsies or on subsequent gastroscopic follow up.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that routine intraoperative biopsy of gastric perforation may be questioned. Biopsy is probably better performed endoscopically after recovery.

Associated Factors of Leaked Repair Following Omentopexy for Perforated Peptic Ulcer Disease; a Cross-sectional Study

Introduction

Previous studies have reported numerous clinico-pathologic risk factors associated with increased risk of leaked repair following omental patch for perforated peptic ulcer disease (PPUD). This study aimed to analyze the risk factors associated with leaked repair of omental patch and document the management and outcome of established cases of leaked repair in a resource-poor setting.

Methods

This is a multicenter cross-sectional study of leaked repair after omental patch of PPUD between January 2016 to December 2022. Following primary repair of PPUD with omental pedicle reinforcement, associated factors of leaked repair were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Overall, 360 cases were evaluated (62.8% male). Leaked repair rate was 11.7% (42 cases). Those without immunosuppression were 3 times less likely to have leaked repair (aOR= 0.34; 95% CI: 0.16 - 0.72; p = 0.003) while those with sepsis were 4 times more likely to have leaked repair (aOR=4.16; 95% CI: 1.06 - 12.36; p = 0.018). Patients with delayed presentation (>48 hours) were 2.5 times more likely to have leaked repair than those who presented in 0 - 24 hours (aOR=2.51; 95% CI: 3.62 - 10.57; p = 0.044). Those with Perforation diameter 2.1-3.0 cm were 8 times (aOR=7.98; 95% CI: 2.63-24.21; p<0.0001), and those with perforation diameter > 3.0cm were 33 times (aOR=33.04; 95% CI: 10.98-100.25; p<0.0001) more likely to have leaked repair than those with perforation diameter of 0-1.0 cm. Similarly, in those with no perioperative shock, leaked repair was 4 times less likely to develop than those with perioperative shock (aOR= 0.42; 95% CI: 0.41-0.92; p = 0.041). There was significant statistical difference in morbidity (p = 0.003) and mortality (p < 0.0001) rates for cases of leaked repairs and successful repairs.

Conclusion

Leaked repair following omentopexy for peptic ulcer perforation was significantly associated with large perforation diameter, delayed presentation, sepsis, immunosuppressive therapy, and perioperative shock.

Emergency laparotomy for peritonitis in the elderly: A Multicentre observational study of outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background

Globally, interest in surgical diseases in the elderly was rekindled recently mainly due to a surge in the aging population and their increased susceptibility to infections. In sub-Saharan Africa, infective diseases are major causes of high morbidity and mortality especially in elderly cohorts, hence this study was set to evaluate current status of this scourge in the elderly in our environment.

Aim

To document the aetiologic factors and analyze the impact of selected clinical and perioperative indices on mortality and morbidity rates of peritonitis in the elderly.

Methods

This was a multicenter prospective study involving elderly patients aged 65years and above managed between October 2015 and September 2021 in Southeast Nigeria.

Results

Of the 236 elderly patients examined, approximately two-third (150, 63.6%) were aged 65-74years. The rest were aged ≥ 75years. There were 142(60.2%) males and 94(39.8%) females. Perforated peptic ulcer (89,37.7%) was the most common cause of peritonitis followed by ruptured appendix (59, 25.0%), then typhoid perforation (44,18.6%). However, typhoid perforation was the deadliest with a crude mortality rate of 40.9%. Overall, morbidity and mortality rates were 33.8% and 28.5% respectively. The main independent predictors of mortality were peritonitis arising from typhoid perforation (p = 0.036), late presentation (p = 0.004), district location of hospital (p = 0.011) and intestinal resection (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Generalized peritonitis is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in the elderly patients in our environment. Perforated peptic ulcer was the most common cause, but typhoid perforation remains the deadliest. Late presentation, district hospital setting and bowel resection were associated with elevated mortality.

Predictors of mortality for perforated peptic ulcer disease in Malawi

BACKGROUND

Mortality from perforated peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains high, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We sought to identify predictors of mortality following surgery for perforated PUD.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of acute care surgeries at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Malawi from 2013 to 2022. Patients undergoing omental patch surgeries were included. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to model predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 248 patients were included. The mean age was 30 ± 15 years. Ninety percent were male. Mortality rate was 22.2%. Predictors of mortality included age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.09), shock index (AOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.14-3.03), days to operative intervention (AOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.10-1.88), and presence of complications (AOR 9.65, 95% CI 3.79-24.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality following surgery for perforated PUD remains high in this low-resource environment. In-hospital delay is a significant and modifiable predictor of mortality.

Analysis of risk factors for duodenal leak after repair of a duodenal perforation

BACKGROUND

Repairing of a duodenal perforation is a well accepted procedure, but clinically, approximately 4% of patients develop duodenal leaks after perforation repair, increasing the risk of death. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 168 patients at our hospital to explore risk factors for duodenal leak after perforation repair and developed a nomogram for predicting postoperative duodenal leak.

METHODS

This retrospective case-control study totalled 168 patients undergoing repair of a duodenal perforation with omentopexy at the General Surgery Department, Dongnan Hospital of Xiamen University, from January 2012 to January 2022. The patients were divided into the non-leak group and the leak group. Risk factors were evaluated by analyzing the patient's sex, shock, diameter and anatomic position of the ulcer, use of NSAIDS and Glucocorticoid, history of drinking, diabetes, chronic diseases, age, time of onset of symptoms and lab tests.

RESULT

One hundred fifty-six patients (92.9%) who did not develop leaks after repair of a duodenal perforation were included in the non-leak group, and 12 (7.1%) developed leaks were included in the leak group. In univariate analysis, there were significant differences between the two groups referring to age, shock, NSAIDs, albumin, and perforation size (P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve for perforation diameter was 0.737, the p-value was 0.006, the optimal cutoff point was 11.5, sensitivity was 58.3%, and specificity was 93.6%, the positive predictive value is 41.1%, and the negative predictive value is 98.0%. In the internal validation of the performance of the nomogram, the C-index and AUC of the model were 0.896(95%CI 0.81-0.98), demonstrating that the nomogram model was well calibrated.

CONCLUSION

The study discussed the risk factors for postoperative duodenal leak in patients undergoing repair of a duodenal perforation, and a nomogram was constructed to predict the leak. Future prospective studies with large sample sizes and multiple centres are needed to further elucidate the risk of duodenal leak after repair of a duodenal perforation.

Clinical presentation and surgical management of perforated peptic ulcer in a tertiary hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia: a 5-year retrospective study

Background

Perforated peptic ulcer is a common surgical emergency condition worldwide, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality if early diagnosis and immediate surgical management were not carried out. Perforation occurs in roughly 5% of PUD patients during their lifetime; this study aimed to explore the wide range of clinical presentations, associated risk factors, complications, and surgical management of perforated peptic ulcer patients.

Methods

A 5-year retrospective observational study on the clinical presentation and surgical management of perforated peptic ulcer is carried out in a tertiary hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia, Department of General Surgery, from January 2017 to December 2021. We included all patients undergoing operations with an intraoperative confirmed diagnosis of perforated peptic ulcer at the general surgery department. For operated patients, follow-up evaluation was performed in the outpatient department.

Results

Fifty-one patients underwent an emergency operation for perforated peptic ulcer during the study period. The sociodemographic distribution of patients was 45 (88.2%) males and 6 (11.8%) females, giving a male-to-female ratio of 7.5:1. The mean age of patients was 35.5 ± 16.8 years, and the peak frequency was in the third decade. The commonest presenting symptoms were sudden onset of severe epigastric pain in 42 (82.4%) patients. Patients who presented perforated peptic ulcer within 24 h of initiation of symptoms were free from complications. Age-group and delayed presentation > 48 h after onset of symptoms were linked to postoperative complications and were statistically significant (P 0.032 and P 0.005), respectively. Four patients died (mortality rate of 7.8%). Two patients were reoperated because of the failed primary repair, and 4 patients had > 5 cm intra-abdominal abscess image-guided percutaneous drainage, and the rest were given antibiotic therapy according to peritoneal fluid culture and sensitivity results. The most common microorganism isolated was E. coli 22% and Klebsiella 11%. Other rare microorganisms (pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida spp.) were identified. In half (51%) of the patients with peritoneal fluid culture, no microorganism growth was seen.

Conclusion

The distribution of perforated peptic ulcer is common in the young age-group in the third decades of life. Delayed presentation of the disease is linked because most patients arrived from remote areas where proper facilities of health care and health education are not available and the patient might come to the hospital in an advanced stage of the disease. We suggest conducting further researches, health awareness related to complications over-the-counter drugs self-medication, and bad habit including smoking, and to improve health-seeking behaviors of society.

Seasonal Variation of Presentation of Perforated Peptic Ulcer Disease: An Overview of Patient Demographics, Management and Outcomes

Background

Perforated peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is one of the most common causes of acute peritonitis. It carries significant mortality and morbidity. Several previous studies have reported a seasonal variation in the presentation of patients with perforated ulcers. Here we present this study from our experience in a Northern Irish acute district hospital.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on perforated peptic ulcer patients who presented to Altnagelvin Area Hospital emergency department between 2015 to 2020. Data on patient demographics, clinical presentation, investigations, management and outcomes were collected. Primary outcome was to investigate if seasonality was associated with the incidence of perforated peptic ulcers. Follow-up data were also collected. Seasons were defined as per UK Met Office.

Results

A total of 50 patients presented with perforated PUD. Male to female ratio was approximately 3:2. Peaks were noted in spring and winter. April was the most common month for presentation followed by December. Smoking was the most common risk factor followed by alcohol abuse. Fourteen patients (28%) were either very frail or had contained perforations and were conservatively managed. Three deaths were noted (6%). Thirteen patients (26%) required ICU admission at some stage in their management.

Conclusion

Slight seasonal variation was noted in the presentation of perforated peptic ulcers in our study with a higher incidence in the winter and spring months. The month of April was noted to have the peak incidence of the disease in our study.

Pattern of Presentation, Management and Early Outcome in Patients with Perforated Peptic Ulcer Disease in a Semi-urban Tertiary Hospital

BACKGROUND

Perforated peptic ulcer is a life-threatening complication with a high morbidity and mortality. It is the most common indication for emergency operation in peptic ulcer disease (PUD) patients. This study aimed to describe the pattern of presentation, management and early outcome in patients with perforated PUD.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of patients who had operation for perforated PUD at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria from June 2015 to May 2020.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients were studied with their ages ranging from 21-85 years. Their mean age was 49.9±16.3 years while the median was 54 years. Males outnumbered females by a ratio of 5.5:1. Majority (56.5%) of the patients were farmers and artisans. Duration of symptoms was 6 hours to 9 days (mean 2.7±1.9 days). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use, herbal concoction, alcohol and smoking was found in 54.3%, 52.2%, 30.4% and 21.7% respectively. More duodenal perforations (63.0%) were recorded. Graham's patch closure was done for 27 (58.7%) while the remaining (41.3%) had primary closure with omentoplasty. Sixteen (34.8%) had postoperative complications with wound infection predominating. Overall postoperative mortality was 17.4%. Age ≥ 60 years (p=0.04), premorbid illness (p=0.01), delayed presentation ≥ 48 hours (p=0.01), shock (p=0.01) and intraperitoneal effluent ≥ 2000ml (p=0.03) were associated with mortalities.

CONCLUSION

Perforated PUD accounts for high morbidities and mortalities in our setting. Abuse of NSAIDs and herbal concoction ranked highest among the risk factors. Efforts at curtailing indiscriminate sales of NSAIDs and herbal concoction will reduce the menace.

Risk Factors that Affect Morbidity and Mortality in Patients with Perforated Peptic Ulcer Diseases in a Teaching Hospital

Background

This study was done to identify risk factors that affect the morbidity and mortality of patients operated for a perforated peptic ulcer in a resource-limited setting.

Methods

A two years (January 1, 2016 -December 30, 2018) retrospective cross-sectional study was done on patients admitted and operated for PPU at Yekatit 12 Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Results

A total of 93 patients were operated. The median age affected was 29 years (Range 15–75 years). Male to female ratio was 7.5:1. Chewing chat, smoking and alcohol use were seen in 22 (23.6%), 35(37.6%), and 34(36.5%), cases respectively. Only 23.6% gave previous history of dyspepsia. The median duration of illness was 48hours and the duodenal to gastric ulcer perforation ratio was 6.5:1. In majority of the cases (63.3%) the perforation diameter was =10mm (63.3%). Cellan-Jones repair of the perforations was done in 92.5% of cases. A total of 47 complications were seen in 25 cases. The total complications and mortality rates were 25(26.8%) and 6(6.5%) respectively. The most common postoperative complication was pneumonia (13.97%) followed by superficial surgical site infection (10.8%). Mortality rate was highest among patients >50yrs [AOR (95%CI) =2.4(230)]. Delayed presentation of >24 hours [AOR (95%CI) =4.3(1.4–13.5)] and a SBP =90mmhg [AOR (95%CI) =4.8(1–24)] were found to be significantly related with higher complication rate.

Conclusions

Patients who presented early and immediate corrective measures were instituted had better outcomes while those seen late developed unfavorable out-come with significantly higher complications. Therefore, early detection and treatment of PPU is essential.

A prospective cohort study of patients presenting to the emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Background

Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding is a common presentation to the Emergency Department (ED), and is associated with re-bleeding and significant mortality. Although several studies have described etiology and outcome of UGI bleeding, few have been done in the EDs.

Materials and Methods

This prospective observational cohort study included all patients presenting with hematemesis or melena, between June 2016 and January 2017 to the ED. Demographic data, risk factors, endoscopy findings and prognosticating scores were noted. Patients were followed up through telephonic communication after 3 months to assess re-bleeding rate and mortality.

Results

The study cohort included 210 patients with a male predominance (76.2%). The mean (SD) age was 51 (16.8) years. They presented with either hematemesis (33.8%), melena (28.6%), or both (37.6%). One third (35.7%) had variceal bleed, 21% had peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and 43.3%bled due to other etiology. UGI scopy was performed in 85.2% of patients with banding (25.1%) and sclerotherapy (14%) being the most frequently performed procedures. Endoscopic intervention was not required in 58.6%of patients. Packed red cells were transfused in 46.7% patients. The 48-h re-bleed rate among variceal bleeders was 5.3% and 11.4% among peptic ulcer bleeders. The 3-month re-bleeding rate was 42.9% and the 3-month mortality rate was 17.5% among the variceal bleeders and the same was 5.6% and 2.8%, respectively, among the peptic ulcer bleeders. The overall mortality was 12.4%.

Conclusions

Variceal bleeding and PUD were the predominant causes of UGI bleeding. Overall, a quarter of our patients had a re-bleed within 3 months, with majority being variceal bleeds.

Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio Associated with Prolonged Hospital Length of Stay Postpeptic Ulcer Perforation Repair: An Observational Descriptive Analysis

BACKGROUND

The predictive role of platelet to lymphocyte ratio (P/LR) in patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is not well-studied. We aimed to investigate the association between the P/LR ratio and the hospital length of stay (HLOS) for surgically treated PPU.

METHOD

This is a retrospective observational study for surgically treated adult cases of PPU at Hamad Medical Corporation during the period from January 2012 to August 2017. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their HLOS (I week). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to determine the cutoff value for lymphocyte count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and P/LR ratio for predicting the prolonged hospitalization.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-two patients were included in the study. The majority were young males. The mean age was 38.3 ± 12.7 years. Perforated duodenal ulcer (139 patients) exceeded perforated gastric ulcer (13 patients). The HLOS > 1 week was observed in 14.5% of cases. Older age (p = 0.01), higher preoperative WBC (p = 0.03), lower lymphocyte count (p = 0.01), and higher P/LR ratio (p = 0.005) were evident in the HLOS > 1 week group. The optimal cutoff value of P/LR was 311.2 with AUC 0.702 and negative predictive value of 93% for the prediction of prolonged hospitalization. Two patients died with a mean P/LR ratio of 640.8 ± 135.5 vs. 336.6 ± 258.9 in the survivors.

CONCLUSION

High preoperative P/LR value predicts prolonged HLOS in patients with repaired perforated peptic ulcer. Further larger multicenter studies are needed to support the study findings.

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Surgical Management of Peptic Perforation in a Tertiary Care Center: A Retrospective Study

Background

The purpose of this study is to estimate disease burden, clinical features, and outcome in the emergency surgical management of peptic perforation in a rural government tertiary care center where patients are socioeconomically very poor and also impacted by lack of good quality health-care facility.

Materials and Methods

The study had retrospectively analyzed 121 patients with peptic perforation who had undergone emergency laparotomy at Midnapore medical college, West Bengal, India, from June 2018 to December 2019. All patients >12 years were included in this study. Exclusion criteria were other traumatic and nontraumatic gastrointestinal perforations.

Results

The study population had 112 males and 9 females with a mean age of 44.80 ± 15.29 years and maximum incidence in the 6^th decade (P = 0.001). Smoking and alcohol were associated with 54.5% and 49.6%, respectively. The symptoms were pain abdomen (100%) with vomiting (38.8%) and fever (33.9%). The signs of hypotension, peritonitis, distension, and pneumoperitoneum were observed in 34.7%, 64.5%, 39.7%, and 83.5%, respectively. Only 20.7% of patients were admitted within the first 24 h. The mean duration of symptoms was 2.3 days. Most perforations were located on the duodenum (74.4%) with duodenal to gastric perforation ratio 2.9:1. The mean size was 1.02 cm. Chest infection (19%) was the most common complication. The mortality rate was 9.1%. The mean length of hospital stay was 11.1 days.

Conclusion

Peptic perforation remains a major disease burden in our environment predominantly due to late presentation, leading to high morbidity and mortality.

An Overview of Gastroduodenal Perforation

Gastroduodenal perforation may be spontaneous or traumatic and the majority of spontaneous perforation is due to peptic ulcer disease. Improved medical management of peptic ulceration has reduced the incidence of perforation, but still remains a common cause of peritonitis. The classic sub-diaphragmatic air on chest x-ray may be absent and computed tomography scan is a more sensitive investigation in the stable patient. The management of perforated peptic ulcer disease is still a subject of debate. The majority of perforated peptic ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori, so definitive surgery is not usually required. Perforated peptic ulcer is an indication for operation in nearly all cases except when the patient is asymptomatic or unfit for surgery. However, non-operative management has a significant incidence of intra-abdominal abscesses and sepsis. Primary closure is achievable in traumatic perforation, but the management follows the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) principles.

Duodenal Perforation: Outcomes after Surgical Management at a Tertiary Care Centre-A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Duodenal perforation is a common surgical emergency and carries mortality ranging from 4% to 30% reported in Western countries, but there is a paucity of reports from India. We aimed to determine the factors which influence the surgical outcomes in patients with duodenal perforation.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from January 2010 to December 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 55 patients were included in the study of which 69% (38) were males and 31% (17) were females (M : F = 4.5 : 2). The mean age was 52.3 years. The cause for duodenal perforation was duodenal ulcer (n = 25, 45.5%), followed by post-ERCP complications (n = 15, 27.3%), surgery (n = 11, 20%), and blunt trauma (n = 4, 7.2%) with perforations localized at D2 (n = 28, 51%) and at D1 (n = 27, 49%). Patients underwent primary repair with an additional diversion procedure (n = 28, 51%) and repair only in 18 (32.8%). There were 21 (38%) deaths. Patients with ERCP-associated duodenal perforation had longer hospital stay (P ≤ 0.001), ICU stay (P=0.049), duration of drainage (P ≤ 0.001), and higher leak rate (P=0.001) and re-exploration rate (P=0.037). A high mortality rate was seen in patients with preoperative organ failure (n  = 18, 78% versus 9.4%, P=0.001), postoperative leak (n = 7, 64% versus 32%, P=0.05), and longer duration from onset of symptoms to surgery (≥4 days) (P=0.045).

CONCLUSION

Perforation of the duodenum is associated with high morbidity and mortality regardless of its cause and is higher in those who have a longer interval to surgery, preoperative organ failure, and a postoperative leak.

Perforated Peptic Ulcer Disease in a Tertiary Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Five Year Retrospective Study

Background

Peptic ulcer perforation is one of the two major acute complications of peptic ulcer disease with significant morbidity and mortality.

Methods

Institution based retrospective review was done to determine patient presentation, management and postoperative complications of perforated peptic ulcer disease (PPUD) at a tertiary hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Patients operated on from January 2013 to December 2017 were included. Univalent analysis was used to determine the influence of patient and operative events on postoperative outcomes.

Result

Totally, 136 patients were studied. Males outnumbered females by a ratio of 5.5:1. The mean age of patients was 36.05±16.56 years. Seventy-one (52.2%) patients presented after twenty-four hours of onset of symptoms. Most perforations were located on the first part of the duodenum (117,86%). There were 73 postoperative complications recorded in 31(22.8%) patients. Old age, being female, presence of comorbidity, hypotension, tachycardia, and delayed presentation were significantly associated with postoperative morbidity (P<0.05). Nine (6.6%) patients died at the hospital. Mortality was significantly associated with old age, comorbid illness, tachycardia, and development of post-operative complications (P<0.05). The postoperative hospital stay of the patients with complications was 18.6 ± 14.7 days which was significantly higher than that of patients without complication 6.7±2.7days (P=0.001).

Conclusion

Old age, being female, presence of comorbidity, hypotension, tachycardia, and delayed presentation were significantly associated with postoperative morbidity. Old age, comorbid illness, tachycardia and development of post-operative complications were found to increase the risk of mortality.

Pattern and outcome of perforated peptic ulcer disease patient in four teaching hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a prospective cohort multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Perforated peptic ulcer disease is a surgical emergency with a high morbidity and mortality. The socio-demographic characteristic and the factors associated with morbidity and mortality seems to differ between the developed and developing world. This is the first a prospective cohort study in Ethiopia designed to analyze pattern and outcome of patients with perforated peptic ulcer disease in four teaching hospitals affiliated with SOM, CHS of Addis Ababa University.

METHOD

This is a prospective cohort study of patients operated for perforated peptic ulcer disease from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019 in four teaching hospital affiliated to department of surgery of SOM, CHS of Addis Ababa university.

RESULT

A total of 97 patients were operated in a year. 86.6% were males with a male to female ratio of 6.5:1. The age group 21-30 were most affected constituting 42.3% of all patients. Mean age is 31.9, Median of 27, age ranges from 16 to 76. Alcohol use (45.4%) and previous history of ulcer disease (75.3%) were the most prevalent risk factors.33% were smokers. Abdominal was present in all and most presented within 48 h (79.4%). 85.6% had pneumo = peritoneum in an x-ray at presentation. Size of the perforation is 10 mm or less in 81.3%. 91(93.8%) had anterior first part duodenum perforation. Repair with pedicled omental patch was done in 65 (67.1%) patients. Age, duration of presentation, hypotension at presentation, size of perforation, degree of peritoneal contamination were found to be the significant factors for morbidity and mortality. Major morbidities were observed in 16 (16.5%) and mortality occurred in 3 (3.1%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Perforation of peptic ulcer disease here occurs in the young. Age, duration of presentation, hypotension at presentation, size of perforation, degree of peritoneal contamination were found to be the significant factors for morbidity and mortality. Morbidity and mortality rate of 16.5 and 3.1% observed here are quite acceptable.

Peptic ulcer perforation after cesarean section; case series and literature review

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer perforation in the early post-cesarean period is rare but may result in maternal mortality.

CASE PRESENTATION

Four cases of post-cesarean peptic ulcer perforation are presented. In all four patients, presentations include peritoneal signs such as acute abdominal pain and progressive distention, hemodynamic instability and intraperitoneal free fluid by ultrasound. Laparotomy and repair were done in all 4 cases. There were 2 maternal deaths. We also have reviewed English literature for the similar cases reported from 1940 to March 2019.

CONCLUSION

New onset tachycardia, abdominal pain and progressive distension after cesarean section without congruent changes in hemoglobin should raise concerns for intra-abdominal emergencies including perforated peptic ulcer. Early use of ultrasound should be considered to assist in diagnosis. Coordinated care by an obstetrician and a general surgeon is necessary in presence of any unusual postoperative abdominal pain. Early recognition of the disease is imperative to limit the surgical delay and to improve the outcomes.

Thirty-day postoperative outcome of patients with non-traumatic gastroduodenal perforations in southwestern Uganda

We studied our 30-day postoperative outcomes in patients with non-traumatic gastroduodenal perforation (NTGDP) in Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, southwestern Uganda. We conducted a one-year prospective study of patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy for suspected NTGDP between June 2016 and July 2017. Twenty-nine patients had NTGDP, the male-to-female ratio was 3:1 and median age was 60 years (range = 13-80 years). Most (83%) patients were negative for Helicobacter pylori on histology. One patient had a gastric adenocarcinoma. A total of 26 (90%) patients had Graham's omentopexy performed. The 30-day mortality rate was 34%. Pyrexia at hospital admission, pre-surgical delay (> 72 h), preoperative shock and peritoneal contamination, were associated with higher mortality rates with preoperative shock being an independent predictor of mortality. H. pylori-negative NTGDP presents a unique challenge in our setting, affecting mainly middle-aged and elderly patients. One-third of our patients did not survive one month.

Is it possible to reduce the surgical mortality and morbidity of peptic ulcer perforations?

Objective

Peptic ulcer perforation is a life-threatening situation requiring urgent surgical treatment. A novel vision in peptic ulcer perforation is necessary to fill the gaps created by antiulcer medication, aging of the patients, and presentation of resistant cases in our era. In this study, we aimed to share our findings regarding the effects of various risk factors and operative techniques on the mortality and morbidity of patients with peptic ulcer perforation.

Material and Methods

Data from 112 patients presenting at our Training and Research Hospital Emergency Surgery Department between January 2010 and December 2015 who were diagnosed with PUP through physical examination and laboratory and radiological tests and operated at the hospital have been retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups based on morbidity (Group 1), mortality (Group 2), and no complication (Group 3).

Results

Of the 112 patients included in the study, morbidity was observed in 21 (18.8%), mortality in 11 (9.8%), and no complication was observed in 80 (71.4%), who were discharged with cure. The differences between group for the average values of the perforation diameter and American Society of Anesthesiologists, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, and Mannheim Peritonitis Index scores were statistically significant (p<0.001 for each). The average values for the group with mortality were significantly higher than those of the other groups.

Conclusion

In this study where we investigated risk factors for increased morbidity and mortality in PUPs, there was statistically significant difference between the average values for age, body mass index, perforation diameter, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Mannheim Peritonitis Index scores among the three groups, whereas the amount of subdiaphragmatic free air did not differ.

Risk factors for mortality among patients admitted with upper gastrointestinal bleeding at a tertiary hospital: a prospective cohort study

Background

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common gastrointestinal emergency, which is potentially fatal. Proper management of UGIB requires risk-stratification of patients which can guide the type and aggressiveness of management. The aim of this was study was identify the causes of UGIB and factors that increase the risk of mortality in these patients.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study conducted over a period of seven months at a tertiary hospital. Adults admitted with UGIB were included in the study. Demographic data, laboratory parameters and endoscopic findings were recorded. Patients were then followed up for 60 days to identify the occurrence of mortality. Chi-square tests and cox-regression was used to determine association between risk factors and mortality in the bivariate and multivariate analysis, respectively.

Results

A total of 170 patients with UGIB were included. Males accounted for the majority (71.2%). Median age of the study population was 40.0 years. Chronic liver disease was present in 30.6% of study patients. The most common cause of UGIB among the 86 patients who underwent endoscopy was oesophageal varices (57%), followed by peptic ulcer disease (18%) and gastritis (10%). Mortality occurred in 57 patients (33.5%) and was significantly higher in patients with high white blood cell count (HR 2.45, p 0.011), raised serum alanine aminotransferase (HR 4.22, p 0.016), raised serum total bilirubin (HR 5.79, p 0.008) and lack of an endoscopic procedure done (HR 4.40, p <0.001). Rebleeding was reported in 12 patients (7.1%) and readmission due to UGIB in 4 patients (2.4%)

Conclusions

Oesophageal varices was the most common cause of UGIB. One-third of patients admitted with upper gastrointestinal bleeding died within 60 days of admission, signifying a high burden. Rebleeding and readmission rates were low. A high WBC count, raised serum ALT, raised serum total bilirubin and a lack of endoscopy were independent predictors of mortality. These findings can be used to risk-stratify patients who may benefit from early and more aggressive management.

A Five-Year Review of Perforated Peptic Ulcer Disease in Irrua, Nigeria

Background

Peptic ulcer perforation is a common cause of emergency admission and surgery. This is the first study that documents the presentation and outcome of management in Irrua, Nigeria.

Patients and Method

This is a prospective study of all patients operated on for perforated peptic ulcer between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2015. A structured questionnaire containing patients' demographics, operation findings, and outcome was filled upon discharge or death.

Results

There were 104 patients. 81 males and 23 females (M : F = 3.5 : 1). The age range was between 17 years and 95 years. The mean age was 48.99 years ± SD 16.1 years. The ratio of gastric to duodenal perforation was 1.88 : 1. Perforation was the first sign of peptic ulcer disease in 62 (59.6%). Pneumoperitoneum was detectable with plain radiographs in 95 (91%) patients. 72 (69.2%) had Graham's Omentopexy. Death rate was 17.3%.

Conclusion

We note that gastric perforation is a far commoner disease in our environment. Perforation is often the first sign of peptic ulcer disease. We identify fasting amongst Christians as a risk factor for perforation.

Low serum albumin may predict the need for gastric resection in patients with perforated peptic ulcer

PURPOSE

Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is a common surgical emergency and treatment involves omental patch repair (PR). Gastric resection (GR) is reserved for difficult pathologies. We audit the outcomes of GR at our institution and evaluate the pre-operative factors predicting the need for GR.

METHODS

This is a single-institution, retrospective study of patients with PPU who underwent surgery from 2004 to 2012. Demographics, clinical presentation and intra-operative findings were studied to identify factors predicting the need for GR in PPU. An audit of clinical outcomes and mortality for all patients with GR is reported.

RESULTS

537 (89.6 %) patients underwent PR and 62 (10.4 %) patients GR. Old age (p < 0.0001), female sex (p = 0.0123), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usage (p = 0.0008), previous history of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) (p = 0.0159), low hemoglobin (p < 0.0001), low serum albumin (p < 0.0001), high serum creatinine (p = 0.0030), high urea (p = 0.0006) and large ulcer size (p < 0.0001) predict the need for GR. On multivariate analysis only low serum albumin (OR 5.57, 95 % CI 1.56-19.84, p = 0.008) predicted the need for GR. The presence of Helicobacter pylori infection was protective against GR (OR 0.25, 95 %CI 0.14-0.44, p < 0.0001). Morbidity and mortality of GR was 27.7 and 24.2 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

GR is needed in one in ten cases of PPU. Low serum albumin predicted the need for GR on multivariate analysis. Morbidity and mortality of GR remains high.

Perforated peptic ulcer - an update

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects 4 million people worldwide annually. The incidence of PUD has been estimated at around 1.5% to 3%. Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is a serious complication of PUD and patients with PPU often present with acute abdomen that carries high risk for morbidity and mortality. The lifetime prevalence of perforation in patients with PUD is about 5%. PPU carries a mortality ranging from 1.3% to 20%. Thirty-day mortality rate reaching 20% and 90-d mortality rate of up to 30% have been reported. In this review we have summarized the current evidence on PPU to update readers. This literature review includes the most updated information such as common causes, clinical features, diagnostic methods, non-operative and operative management, post-operative complications and different scoring systems of PPU. With the advancement of medical technology, PUD can now be treated with medications instead of elective surgery. The classic triad of sudden onset of abdominal pain, tachycardia and abdominal rigidity is the hallmark of PPU. Erect chest radiograph may miss 15% of cases with air under the diaphragm in patients with bowel perforation. Early diagnosis, prompt resuscitation and urgent surgical intervention are essential to improve outcomes. Exploratory laparotomy and omental patch repair remains the gold standard. Laparoscopic surgery should be considered when expertise is available. Gastrectomy is recommended in patients with large or malignant ulcer.

Prognostic factors in peptic ulcer perforations: a retrospective 14-year study

Regarding the complications of peptic ulcer, a perforation remains the most important fatal complication. The aim of our retrospective study was to determine relations between postoperative morbidity and comorbid disease or perioperative risk factors in perforated peptic ulcer. In total, 239 patients who underwent emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer in Ege University General Surgery Department, between June 1999 and May 2013 were included in this study. The clinical data concerning the patient characteristics, operative methods, and complications were collected retrospectively. One hundred seventy-five of the 239 patients were male (73.2%) and 64 were female (26.8%). Mean American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was 1 in the patients without morbidity, but mean ASA score was 3 in the morbidity and mortality groups. Primary suture and omentoplasty was the selected procedure in 228 of the patients. Eleven patients underwent resection. In total, 105 patients (43.9%) had comorbidities. Thirty-seven patients (67.3%) in the morbidity group had comorbid diseases. Thirteen (92.9%) patients in the mortality group had comorbid diseases. Perforation as a complication of peptic ulcer disease still remains among the frequent indications of urgent abdominal surgery. Among the analyzed parameters, age, ASA score, and having comorbid disease were found to have an effect on both mortality and morbidity. The controversial subject in the present study is regarding the duration of symptoms. The duration of symptoms had no effect on mortality nor morbidity in our study.

Comparison of antimicrobial resistance patterns of ESBL and non ESBL bacterial isolates among patients with secondary peritonitis at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza - Tanzania

BACKGROUND

Secondary peritonitis is a common surgical emergence with deadly outcomes when not timely and promptly intervened. The emergence of Extended spectrum beta lactamase producing bacteria (ESBL) poses treatment challenge at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC); hence a need to evaluate the magnitude of ESBL so as to guide specific therapy.

METHODS

This was a cross sectional study conducted at BMC from May 2014 to April 2015 involving patients with secondary peritonitis. A questionnaire was used to collect patients' information. Peritoneal aspirate sample was collected intra-operatively and processed using standard operating procedures to identify bacteria species and their susceptibility profiles.

RESULTS

The study involved 97 patients with the median age (IQR) of 32 (21-47) years, males were 62 (63.9 %) and about 27 (27.8 %) patients had co-morbid illnesses. The prevalence of ESBL among patients with secondary peritonitis was 23.7 % (23/97). Of 53 gram negative Enterobacteriaceae isolated, 47.2 % (25/53) were ESBL producers, with predominance of Escherichia coli 7 (28.0 %) and Klebsiella spp 5 (20.0 %). The ESBL isolates exhibited more resistance rates to trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin compared to non ESBL isolates 96.0 % versus 60.7 %, p value = 0.003 and 16.0 % versus 0.0 %, p value = 0.043 respectively). All isolates were sensitive to meropenem.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of ESBL among patients with secondary peritonitis at BMC is high; with more resistance rates among ESBL compared to non ESBL isolates. There is a need for strengthen ESBL surveillance in this setting so as to guide specific therapy.

Surgery for Peptic Ulcer Disease in sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic Review of Published Data

INTRODUCTION

Peptic ulcer disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a significant burden in low- and middle-income countries. However, there is limited information regarding management of peptic ulcer disease in these countries. This study describes surgical interventions for peptic ulcer disease in sub-Saharan Africa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and African Index Medicus for studies describing surgical management of peptic ulcer disease in sub-Saharan Africa.

RESULTS

From 55 published reports, 6594 patients underwent surgery for peptic ulcer disease. Most ulcers (86%) were duodenal with the remainder gastric (14%). Thirty-five percent of operations were performed for perforation, 7% for bleeding, 30% for obstruction, and 28% for chronic disease. Common operations included vagotomy (60%) and primary repair (31%). The overall case fatality rate for peptic ulcer disease was 5.7% and varied with indication for operation: 13.6% for perforation, 11.5% for bleeding, 0.5% for obstruction, and 0.3% for chronic disease.

CONCLUSION

Peptic ulcer disease remains a significant indication for surgery in sub-Saharan Africa. Recognizing the continued role of surgery for peptic ulcer disease in sub-Saharan Africa is important for strengthening surgical training programs and optimizing allocation of resources.

Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality of Perforated Peptic Ulcer: Retrospective Cohort Study of Risk Factors among Black Africans in Côte d'Ivoire

Introduction. Surgical treatment of perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is a challenge for surgeons in Africa. Aim. To determine risk factors of postoperative complications or mortality among black Ivoirian patients with PPU. Methods. All 161 patients (median age = 34 years, 90.7 male) operated on for PPU in the visceral and general surgery unit were enrolled in a retrospective cohort study. Variables were studied with Kaplan Meier and Cox proportional hazard models. Results. Among 161 patients operated on for PPU, 36 (27.5%) experienced complications and 31 (19.3%) died. Follow-up results were the incidence of complications and mortality of 6.4 (95% CI: 4.9–8.0) per 100 person-days and 3.0 (95% CI: 1.9–4.0) per 100 person-days for incidence of mortality. In multivariate analysis, risk factors of postoperative complications or mortality were comorbidities (HR = 2.1, P = 0.03), tachycardia (pulse rate > 100/minutes) (HR = 2.4, P = 0.02), purulent intra-abdominal fluid collection (HR = 2.1, P = 0.04), hyponatremia (median value ≤ 134 mEq/L) (HR = 2.3, P = 0.01), delayed time of hospital admission > 72 hours (HR = 2.6, P < 0.0001), and delayed time of surgical intervention between 24 and 48 hours (HR = 3.8, P < 0.0001). Conclusion. The delayed hospital admission or surgical intervention and hyponatremia may be considered as additional risk of postoperative complications or mortality in Black African patients with PPU.

Etiology, treatment outcome and prognostic factors among patients with secondary peritonitis at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania

INTRODUCTION

Secondary peritonitis due to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract is one of the most common surgical emergencies all over the world and is associated with significantly morbidity and mortality. Previous studies conducted at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) were retrospective and each was focused on single etiology; therefore there was an obvious need to evaluate the etiologies, treatment outcome and their prognostic factors altogether.

METHODS

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving patients with secondary peritonitis admitted at BMC from May 2014 to April 2015. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics among consented patients were collected using questionnaires. Peritoneal aspirate, biopsy and blood were collected perioperatively and processed using standard operating procedures. Analysis was done using STATA version 11 software.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 97 patients with the female to male ratio of 1:1.8 and approximately 41.2 % (40/97) were in their third and fourth decades of life. Only 3 (3.09 %) patients arrived to the hospital within 24 hours of onset of illness, 26 (26.80 %) patients presented with shock and HIV seropositivity among all patients was 13.40 % (13/97). The common etiologies of secondary peritonitis were perforated appendicitis 23 (23.71 %), peptic ulcer disease 18 (18.56 %), ischemia 18 (18.56 %) and typhoidal perforation 15 (15.46 %). Of the 97 patients, 35 (36.08 %) had complications and 15 (15.46 %) died. Presence of premorbid illness and post-operative complication were found to be associated with death (p values = 0.004 and <0.001 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The most common etiologies of secondary peritonitis at BMC are perforated appendicitis, peptic ulcer disease, ischemia and typhoidal perforation. Premorbid illness and postoperative complications in this setting are associated with death and as the matter of fact proper screening on admission should be done to identify patients with premorbid illness and confer prompt management.

Perforated peptic ulcer

Perforated peptic ulcer is a common emergency condition worldwide, with associated mortality rates of up to 30%. A scarcity of high-quality studies about the condition limits the knowledge base for clinical decision making, but a few published randomised trials are available. Although Helicobacter pylori and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are common causes, demographic differences in age, sex, perforation location, and underlying causes exist between countries, and mortality rates also vary. Clinical prediction rules are used, but accuracy varies with study population. Early surgery, either by laparoscopic or open repair, and proper sepsis management are essential for good outcome. Selected patients can be managed non-operatively or with novel endoscopic approaches, but validation of such methods in trials is needed. Quality of care, sepsis care bundles, and postoperative monitoring need further assessment. Adequate trials with low risk of bias are urgently needed to provide better evidence. We summarise the evidence for perforated peptic ulcer management and identify directions for future clinical research.

PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT OF PERFORATED PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE IN A TERTIARY CENTRE IN SOUTH SOUTH NIGERIA

BACKGROUND

Perforations of the stomach and duodenum are common complications of peptic ulcer disease (PUD), abuse of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and gastric cancer. Being a life threatening complication of PUD, it needs special attention with prompt resuscitation and appropriate surgical management if morbidity and mortality are to be avoided.

AIM

To determine the pattern and management outcome of perforated peptic ulcer disease PUD as seen in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria).

METHODOLOGY

All the patients with perforated PUD that were managed at UPTH between January 2006 and December 2014 were studied. Relevant data were extracted from the case notes and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.

RESULTS

Thirty six patients with perforated PUD were evaluated consisting of 28 males and 8 females with a male to female ratio of 3.5:1. Their ages ranged from 24 to 65 years with a mean of 42.1± 12.3 years and the peak age was at the third decade. After adequate resuscitation, all the patients had exploratory laparotomy. In 26 (72.2%) patients, the perforation was in the duodenum while in 10 (27.8%), it was in the stomach. Thirty two (88.9%) patients had Graham's omental patch repair of the perforation while simple closure only was done in 4 (11.1%) patients. Surgical site infection was the commonest post operative complication which was seen in 7 (19.4%) patients while 4 patients died giving a mortality rate of 11.1%.

CONCLUSION

Perforated peptic ulcer predominantly affected young males and Graham's omental patch followed by Helicobacter pylori eradication was an effective treatment modality.

A review of the management of perforated duodenal ulcers at a tertiary hospital in south western Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Gastro-duodenal perforations are common and may complicate peptic ulcer disease. Management is often by surgical closure.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the patterns of presentation and mode of management of duodenal ulcer perforations.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with duodenal ulcer perforations seen at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital between June 2001 and July 2011. Patients' records were reviewed for demography, duration of disease, probable risk factors, type of surgery and complications. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS 15.0.

RESULT

Forty- five patients were reviewed. There were 37 males (82.2%). Mean age was 39.7years (range 15-78years). There were 10 (22.6%) students and 8(17.8%) farmers. NSAIDs abuse (11), previous peptic ulcer disease (2), and no prior dyspeptic symptoms (20) constituted 24.4%, 4.4% and 44.4% respectively of cases. Seven (16%) patients presented less than 24 hours of onset of illness. Forty one perforations (91.1%) involved the first part of duodenum. Twenty two (49%) patients had Graham's omental patch. We had one (2.2%) failed repair and six (13.3%) mortalities.

CONCLUSION

Late presentation of duodenal ulcer perforation is common with high mortality. Pragmatic surgical intervention with Graham's omentopexy with broad spectrum antibiotics is still commonly practiced.

Strategies to improve the outcome of emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer

BACKGROUND

Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is a common surgical emergency that carries high mortality and morbidity rates. Globally, one-quarter of a million people die from peptic ulcer disease each year. Strategies to improve outcomes are needed.

METHODS

PubMed was searched for evidence related to the surgical treatment of patients with PPU. The clinical registries of trials were examined for other available or ongoing studies. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), systematic reviews and meta-analyses were preferred.

RESULTS

Deaths from peptic ulcer disease eclipse those of several other common emergencies. The reported incidence of PPU is 3.8-14 per 100,000 and the mortality rate is 10-25 per cent. The possibility of non-operative management has been assessed in one small RCT of 83 patients, with success in 29 (73 per cent) of 40, and only in patients aged less than 70 years. Adherence to a perioperative sepsis protocol decreased mortality in a cohort study, with a relative risk (RR) reduction of 0.63 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0.41 to 0.97). Based on meta-analysis of three RCTs (315 patients), laparoscopic and open surgery for PPU are equivalent, but patient selection remains a challenge. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori after surgical repair of PPI reduces both the short-term (RR 2.97, 95 per cent c.i. 1.06 to 8.29) and 1-year (RR 1.49, 1.10 to 2.03) risk of ulcer recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Mortality and morbidity from PPU can be reduced by adherence to perioperative strategies.

Scoring systems for outcome prediction in patients with perforated peptic ulcer

Background

Patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) often present with acute, severe illness that carries a high risk for morbidity and mortality. Mortality ranges from 3-40% and several prognostic scoring systems have been suggested. The aim of this study was to review the available scoring systems for PPU patients, and to assert if there is evidence to prefer one to the other.

Material and methods

We searched PubMed for the mesh terms “perforated peptic ulcer”, “scoring systems”, “risk factors”, ”outcome prediction”, “mortality”, ”morbidity” and the combinations of these terms. In addition to relevant scores introduced in the past (e.g. Boey score), we included recent studies published between January 2000 and December 2012) that reported on scoring systems for prediction of morbidity and mortality in PPU patients.

Results

A total of ten different scoring systems used to predict outcome in PPU patients were identified; the Boey score, the Hacettepe score, the Jabalpur score the peptic ulcer perforation (PULP) score, the ASA score, the Charlson comorbidity index, the sepsis score, the Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI), the Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), the simplified acute physiology score II (SAPS II), the Mortality probability models II (MPM II), the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity physical sub-score (POSSUM-phys score). Only four of the scores were specifically constructed for PPU patients. In five studies the accuracy of outcome prediction of different scoring systems was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis, and the corresponding area under the curve (AUC) among studies compared. Considerable variation in performance both between different scores and between different studies was found, with the lowest and highest AUC reported between 0.63 and 0.98, respectively.

Conclusion

While the Boey score and the ASA score are most commonly used to predict outcome for PPU patients, considerable variations in accuracy for outcome prediction were shown. Other scoring systems are hampered by a lack of validation or by their complexity that precludes routine clinical use. While the PULP score seems promising it needs external validation before widespread use.

The gender difference of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine in adult rats with stress-induced gastric ulcer

We investigated the gender difference of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine in adult rats with stress-induced gastric ulcer. The rats were randomly divided into six groups: Group I, control males and group II, control females; group III, acute cold restraint stressed males and group IV, acute cold restraint stressed females; group V, fluoxetine-treated stressed males and group VI, fluoxetine-treated stressed females. Acute cold restraint stress was established by fixing the four limbs of the rat and placing it in a refrigerator at 4°C for 3h. Fluoxetine was given intraperitoneal in a single dose of 10mg/kg/day. After 2 weeks, stomach and brain tissues were collected for the assay of gastric malonaldehyde (MDA), catalase, nitric oxide (NO) and cortical gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). Stressed animals exhibited increased total acidity in association with decreased gastric secretion volume. Gastric MDA was increased while gastric catalase, NO, and cortical GABA were decreased in stressed male rats when compared to stressed females. However, fluoxetine administration attenuated these stress-induced changes especially in stressed male animals. Stressed male rats were more responsive to the antiulcer effect of fluoxetine more than stressed females. However, fluoxetine might be considered to be the first-choice drug in depressive patients with gastric ulcers in the future.

Analysis of risk factors for postoperative morbidity in perforated peptic ulcer

Purpose

Emergency operations for perforated peptic ulcer are associated with a high incidence of postoperative complications. While several studies have investigated the impact of perioperative risk factors and underlying diseases on the postoperative morbidity after abdominal surgery, only a few have analyzed their role in perforated peptic ulcer disease. The purpose of this study was to determine any possible associations between postoperative morbidity and comorbid disease or perioperative risk factors in perforated peptic ulcer.

Materials and Methods

In total, 142 consecutive patients, who underwent surgery for perforated peptic ulcer, at a single institution, between January 2005 and October 2010 were included in this study. The clinical data concerning the patient characteristics, operative methods, and complications were collected retrospectively.

Results

The postoperative morbidity rate associated with perforated peptic ulcer operations was 36.6% (52/142). Univariate analysis revealed that a long operating time, the open surgical method, age (≥60), sex (female), high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and presence of preoperative shock were significant perioperative risk factors for postoperative morbidity. Significant comorbid risk factors included hypertension, diabetes mellitus and pulmonary disease. Multivariate analysis revealed a long operating time, the open surgical method, high ASA score and the presence of preoperative shock were all independent risk factors for the postoperative morbidity in perforated peptic ulcer.

Conclusions

A high ASA score, preoperative shock, open surgery and long operating time of more than 150 minutes are high risk factors for morbidity. However, there is no association between postoperative morbidity and comorbid disease in patients with a perforated peptic ulcer.