Cesena guidelines: WSES consensus statement on laparoscopic-first approach to general surgery emergencies and abdominal trauma

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopy is widely adopted across nearly all surgical subspecialties in the elective setting. Initially finding indication in minor abdominal emergencies, it has gradually become the standard approach in the majority of elective general surgery procedures. Despite many technological advances and increasing acceptance, the laparoscopic approach remains underutilized in emergency general surgery and in abdominal trauma. Emergency laparotomy continues to carry a high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, there has been a growing interest from emergency and trauma surgeons in adopting minimally invasive surgery approaches in the acute surgical setting. The present position paper, supported by the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), aims to provide a review of the literature to reach a consensus on the indications and benefits of a laparoscopic-first approach in patients requiring emergency abdominal surgery for general surgery emergencies or abdominal trauma.

METHODS

This position paper was developed according to the WSES methodology. A steering committee performed the literature review and drafted the position paper. An international panel of 54 experts then critically revised the manuscript and discussed it in detail, to develop a consensus on a position statement.

RESULTS

A total of 323 studies (systematic review and meta-analysis, randomized clinical trial, retrospective comparative cohort studies, case series) have been selected from an initial pool of 7409 studies. Evidence demonstrates several benefits of the laparoscopic approach in stable patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery for general surgical emergencies or abdominal trauma. The selection of a stable patient seems to be of paramount importance for a safe adoption of a laparoscopic approach. In hemodynamically stable patients, the laparoscopic approach was found to be safe, feasible and effective as a therapeutic tool or helpful to identify further management steps and needs, resulting in improved outcomes, regardless of conversion. Appropriate patient selection, surgeon experience and rigorous minimally invasive surgical training, remain crucial factors to increase the adoption of laparoscopy in emergency general surgery and abdominal trauma.

CONCLUSIONS

The WSES expert panel suggests laparoscopy as the first approach for stable patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery for general surgery emergencies and abdominal trauma.

A simple and effective technique for laparoscopic gastrorrhaphy: modified Graham's patch with barbed suture

INTRODUCTION

Peptic ulcers are caused by unbalanced acid production, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in recent decades have helped to treat peptic ulcers effectively. Meanwhile, the incidence of perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) persists and has a high mortality rate if there is no adequate management. Primary closure with a modified Graham's patch was well performed in early detected PPU with a small size < 2 cm. A laparoscopic approach for PPU was prescribed for decades with proven feasibility and safety. We introduced an effective technique combined with barbed suture and modified Graham's patch, which can significantly reduce the surgical time without significantly increasing morbidity and mortality compared with traditional interrupted suture.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We retrospectively collected data from January 2014 to December 2020 in Keelung Change Gung Memorial Hospital, and a total of 154 patients receiving laparoscopic repair of PPU were included. There were 59 patients in the V-loc group (V group) and 95 patients in the laparoscopic primary repair group (P group).

RESULTS

The V group had a significantly shorter operation time than the P group (96.93 ± 22.14 min vs. 123.97 ± 42.14, P < 0.001). Ten patients suffered from morbidity greater than the Clavien‒Dindo classification 4 (5 from V group, and 5 from P group). Three patients with leakage were reported. Two patients were in the V group, and one patient was in the P group (p = 0.432).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic repair with barbed suture and modified Graham's patch provides a simple and effective technique in the management of acute abdomen. This technique can be easily performed by experienced surgeons and trainees in minimally invasive surgery without affecting patient safety.

Predicting in-hospital mortality risk for perforated peptic ulcer surgery: the PPUMS scoring system and the benefit of laparoscopic surgery: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

The major treatment for perforated peptic ulcers (PPU) is surgery. It remains unclear which patient may not get benefit from surgery due to comorbidity. This study aimed to generate a scoring system by predicting mortality for patients with PPU who received non-operative management (NOM) and surgical treatment.

METHOD

We extracted the admission data of adult (≥ 18 years) patients with PPU disease from the NHIRD database. We randomly divided patients into 80% model derivation and 20% validation cohorts. Multivariate analysis with a logistic regression model was applied to generate the scoring system, PPUMS. We then apply the scoring system to the validation group.

RESULT

The PPUMS score ranged from 0 to 8 points, composite with age (< 45: 0 points, 45-65: 1 point, 65-80: 2 points, > 80: 3 points), and five comorbidities (congestive heart failure, severe liver disease, renal disease, history of malignancy, and obesity: 1 point each). The areas under ROC curve were 0.785 and 0.787 in the derivation and validation groups. The in-hospital mortality rates in the derivation group were 0.6% (0 points), 3.4% (1 point), 9.0% (2 points), 19.0% (3 points), 30.2% (4 points), and 45.9% when PPUMS > 4 point. Patients with PPUMS > 4 had a similar in-hospital mortality risk between the surgery group [laparotomy: odds ratio (OR) = 0.729, p = 0.320, laparoscopy: OR = 0.772, p = 0.697] and the non-surgery group. We identified similar results in the validation group.

CONCLUSION

PPUMS scoring system effectively predicts in-hospital mortality for perforated peptic ulcer patients. It factors in age and specific comorbidities is highly predictive and well-calibrated with a reliable AUC of 0.785-0.787. Surgery, no matter laparotomy or laparoscope, significantly reduced mortality for scores <  = 4. However, patients with a score > 4 did not show this difference, calling for tailored approaches to treatment based on risk assessment. Further prospective validation is suggested.

Correlation of serum albumin level on postoperative day 2 with hospital length of stay in patients undergoing emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer

BACKGROUND

Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is a common emergency surgical condition and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While advances in surgical techniques have improved outcomes for patients with PPU, many factors still affect postoperative hospital stay and overall prognosis. One potential factor is the serum albumin (SA) level, a widely utilized marker of nutritional status that has been associated with length of stay and complications in various surgical procedures.

AIM

To clarify the correlation of SA level on postoperative day 2 with hospital length of stay (HLOS) in patients undergoing emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer (PPU).

METHODS

We retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical baseline data, including blood routine and SA levels, of patients who underwent emergency PPU surgery and postoperative treatment at the Lingnan Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between December 2012 and September 2021. Patients were grouped according to HLOS with 7 d as the cut-off value, and relevant indicators were analyzed using SPSS 26.0.

RESULTS

Of the 37 patients undergoing emergency surgery for PPU referred to our department, 33 had gastric and 4 had duodenal ulcer perforation. The median HLOS was 10 d. There were 8 patients in the ≤ 7-d group (median HLOS: 7 d) and 29 patients in the > 7-d group (median HLOS: 10 d). The ≤ 7-d group had markedly higher SA on postoperative day 2 than the > 7-d group (37.7 g/L vs 32.6g/L; P < 0.05). The SA level on postoperative day 2 was a protective factor for patients with HLOS > 7 d (Odds ratio = 0.629, P = 0.015). The cut-off of SA on postoperative day 2 was 30.6g/L, with an area under the curve of 0.86 and a negative predictive value of 100% for the prediction of HLOS ≤ 7 d.

CONCLUSION

The SA level on postoperative day 2 was associated with the HLOS in patients undergoing emergency surgery for PPU. The pre- and post-operative albumin levels should be monitored, and infusion of human SA should be considered in a timely manner.

Sarcopenia provides extra value outside the PULP score for predicting mortality in older patients with perforated peptic ulcers

BACKGROUND

Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) remains challenging surgically due to its high mortality, especially in older individuals. Computed tomography (CT)-measured skeletal muscle mass is a effective predictor of the surgical outcomes in older patients with abdominal emergencies. The purpose of this study is to assess whether a low CT-measured skeletal muscle mass can provide extra value in predicting PPU mortality.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled older (aged ≥ 65 years) patients who underwent PPU surgery. Cross-sectional skeletal muscle areas and densities were measured by CT at L3 and patient-height adjusted to obtain the L3 skeletal muscle gauge (SMG). Thirty-day mortality was determined with univariate, multivariate and Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

From 2011 to 2016, 141 older patients were included; 54.8% had sarcopenia. They were further categorized into the PULP score ≤ 7 (n=64) or PULP score > 7 group (n=82). In the former, there was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between sarcopenic (2.9%) and nonsarcopenic patients (0%; p=1.000). However, in the PULP score > 7 group, sarcopenic patients had a significantly higher 30-day mortality (25.5% vs. 3.2%, p=0.009) and serious complication rate (37.3% vs. 12.9%, p=0.017) than nonsarcopenic patients. Multivariate analysis showed that sarcopenia was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality in patients in the PULP score > 7 group (OR: 11.05, CI: 1.03-118.7).

CONCLUSION

CT scans can diagnose PPU and provide physiological measurements. Sarcopenia, defined as a low CT-measured SMG, provides extra value in predicting mortality in older PPU patients.

Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) treatment: an Italian nationwide propensity score-matched cohort study investigating laparoscopic vs open approach

BACKGROUND

Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) remain a surgical emergency accounting for 37% of all peptic ulcer-related deaths. Surgery remains the standard of care. The benefits of laparoscopic approach have been well-established even in the elderly. However, because of inconsistent results with specific regard to some technical aspects of such technique surgeons questioned the adoption of laparoscopic approach. This leads to choose the type of approach based on personal experience. The aim of our study was to critically appraise the use of the laparoscopic approach in PPU treatment comparing it with open procedure.

METHODS

A retrospective study with propensity score matching analysis of patients underwent surgical procedure for PPU was performed. Patients undergoing PPU repair were divided into: Laparoscopic approach (LapA) and Open approach (OpenA) groups and clinical-pathological features of patients in the both groups were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 453 patients underwent PPU simple repair. Among these, a LapA was adopted in 49% (222/453 patients). After propensity score matching, 172 patients were included in each group (the LapA and the OpenA). Analysis demonstrated increased operative times in the OpenA [OpenA: 96.4 ± 37.2 vs LapA 88.47 ± 33 min, p = 0.035], with shorter overall length of stay in the LapA group [OpenA 13 ± 12 vs LapA 10.3 ± 11.4 days p = 0.038]. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality [OpenA 26 (15.1%) vs LapA 18 (10.5%), p = 0.258]. Focusing on morbidity, the overall rate of 30-day postoperative morbidity was significantly lower in the LapA group [OpenA 67 patients (39.0%) vs LapA 37 patients (21.5%) p = 0.002]. When stratified using the Clavien-Dindo classification, the severity of postoperative complications was statistically different only for C-D 1-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the present study, we can support that laparoscopic suturing of perforated peptic ulcers, apart from being a safe technique, could provide significant advantages in terms of postoperative complications and hospital stay.

Prognostic value of free air under diaphragm on chest radiographs in correlation with peritoneal soiling intraoperatively

PURPOSE

Gastrointestinal perforation is a significant injury that originates mainly from gastrointestinal ulcers. It is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The height of the column of the air under the diaphragm can be used to estimate the amount of peritoneal soiling due to viscus perforation. This study aimed to determine the correlation between this estimate and the incidence of morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

To achieve this aim, a prospective cohort study was conducted on 83 patients at Kasr al ainy hospital who, between March 2021 and March 2022, presented to the emergency department with free air under the diaphragm at chest X-ray and required surgical intervention for a perforated viscus. For each case, the amount of peritoneal soiling and the amount of air under the diaphragm as determined by a chest X-ray were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean air under the diaphragm in a plain erect chest X-ray was 1.78 ± 1.92 cm, and the mean amount of peritoneal soiling was 1201.83 ± 948.99 CC. There are positive correlations between the amount of air under the diaphragm as shown on an X-ray and the size of the perforation (p = 0.034), the amount of peritoneal soiling (p = 0.003), and the mortality (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

There was a statistically significant correlation between air under the diaphragm according to X-ray and the amount of peritoneal soiling in patients with a perforated viscus. This measure can be used as a sensitive tool to predict morbidity and mortality as more free air in the chest X-ray is associated with significant mortality. These results may enhance the decision making using sensitive and available tool of diagnosis.

Outcomes of laparoscopic modified Cellan-Jones repair versus open repair for perforated peptic ulcer at a community hospital

INTRODUCTION

Minimally invasive or open Graham Patch repair remains the gold standard approach for management of perforated peptic ulcers (PPU). Herein, we report outcomes of laparoscopic technique and compare it with open approach at a community hospital.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study conducted comparing laparoscopic modified Cellan-Jones repair (mCJR) versus the standard open repair of PPU. Patients aged 18-90 years during 2016-2021 were offered either a minimally invasive or open approach depending on surgeon laparoscopic capability, and were compared in terms of demographics, co-morbidities, intra-operative details, and short-term outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 49 patients were included (46.9% males, mean age 52.9 years, mean BMI 25.0, ASA ≥ III 75.5%, 75.5% smokers, 26.5% current NSAIDs use, and 71.4% alcohol drinkers). Duodenum was the most common perforation site (57.1%), and majority of ulcers were 1-2 cm (72.9%). Laparoscopic approach was performed in 16 consecutive patients (32.7%) by a single surgeon, with no conversions. Preoperative characteristics were similar for both groups. Compared to open approach, laparoscopic group were taken to operation immediately (< 4 h) (87.5% vs. 15.2%, p < 0.001), had lower estimated blood loss (11.8 ml vs. 73.8 ml, p = 0.063), and longer operative time (117.1 min vs. 85.6 min, p = 0.010). Postoperatively, nasogastric tube was removed earlier in laparoscopic group (POD1-2, 87.5% vs. 24.2%, p = 0.001), with earlier resumption of diet (POD1-2, 62.6% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.002), less narcotic usage (< 3 days, 58.3% vs. 6.1%, p < 0.001), earlier return of bowel function (POD1-2, 43.8% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.003) and shorter length of stay (LOS) (3.7 days vs. 16.1 days, p < 0.001). Both in-house mortality and morbidity rates were lower in the laparoscopic group, but not statistically significant [(0% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.347) and (12.5% vs. 39.4%, p = 0.500), respectively].

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic mCJR is a feasible method for repair of PPU, and it is associated with shorter LOS, and less narcotics usage in comparison to the open repair approach.

Laparoscopic versus open repair of perforated peptic ulcers: analysis of outcomes and identification of predictive factors of conversion

BACKGROUND

The surgical treatment for perforated peptic ulcers (PPUs) can be safely performed laparoscopically. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients who received different surgical approaches for PPU and to identify the predictive factors for conversion to open surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed patients treated for PPUs from 2002 to 2020. Three groups were identified: a complete laparoscopic surgery group (LG), a conversion to open group (CG), and a primary open group (OG). After univariate comparisons, a multivariate analysis was conducted to identify the predictive factors for conversion.

RESULTS

Of the 175 patients that underwent surgery for PPU, 104 (59.4%) received a laparoscopic-first approach, and 27 (25.9%) required a conversion to open surgery. Patients treated directly with an open approach were older (p < 0.0001), had more comorbidities (p < 0.0001), and more frequently had a previous laparotomy (p = 0.0001). In the OG group, in-hospital mortality and ICU need were significantly higher, while the postoperative stay was longer. Previous abdominal surgery (OR 0.086, 95% CI 0.012-0.626; p = 0.015), ulcer size (OR 0.045, 95% CI 0.010-0.210; p < 0.0001), and a posterior ulcer location (OR 0.015, 95% CI 0.001-0.400; p = 0.012) were predictive factors for conversion to an open approach.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the benefits of the laparoscopic approach for the treatment of PPUs. Previous laparotomies, a greater ulcer size, and a posterior location of the ulcer are risk factors for conversion to open surgery during laparoscopic repair.

Risk factors and prognoses of invasive Candida infection in surgical critical ill patients with perforated peptic ulcer

BACKGROUND

The risk of invasive Candida infection (ICI) is high in patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) who received laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery, but the risk factors and predictors of morbidity outcomes remain uncertain. This study aims to identify the risk factors of ICI in surgical critically ill PPU patients and to evaluate the impact on patient's outcomes.

METHODS

This is a single-center, retrospective study, with a total of 170 surgical critically ill PPU patients. Thirty-seven patients were ICI present and 133 were ICI absent subjects. The differences in pulmonary complications according to invasive candidiasis were determined by the Mann-Whitney U test. Evaluation of predictors contributing to ICI and 90-day mortality was conducted by using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Candida albicans was the primary pathogen of ICI (74.29%). The infected patients had higher incidence of bacteremia (p < 0.001), longer intensive care unit (p < 0.001) and hospital (p < 0.001) stay, longer ventilator duration (p < 0.001) and increased hospital mortality (p = 0.02). In the multivariate analysis, serum lactate level measured at hospital admission was independently associated with the occurrence of ICI (p = 0.03). Liver cirrhosis (p = 0.03) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (p = 0.007) were independently associated with the 90-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood lactate level measured at hospital admission could be a predictor of ICI and the surgical critically ill PPU patients with liver cirrhosis and higher SOFA score are associated with poor outcomes.

Low serum albumin may predict poor efficacy in patients with perforated peptic ulcer treated nonoperatively

BACKGROUND

Nonoperative management (NOM) is a promising therapeutic modality for patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU). However, the risk factors for poor efficacy and adverse events of NOM are a concern.

AIM

To investigate the factors predictive of poor efficacy and adverse events in patients with PPU treated by NOM.

METHODS

This retrospective case-control study enrolled 272 patients who were diagnosed with PPU and initially managed nonoperatively from January 2014 to December 2018. Of these 272 patients, 50 converted to emergency surgery due to a lack of improvement (surgical group) and 222 patients were included in the NOM group. The clinical data of these patients were collected. Baseline patient characteristics and adverse outcomes were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to investigate the factors predictive of poor efficacy of NOM and adverse outcomes in patients with PPU.

RESULTS

Adverse outcomes were observed in 71 patients (32.0%). Multivariate analyses revealed that low serum albumin level was an independent predictor for poor efficacy of NOM and adverse outcomes in patients with PPU.

CONCLUSION

Low serum albumin level may be used as an indicator to help predict the poor efficacy of NOM and adverse outcomes, and can be used for risk stratification in patients with PPU.

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.

Effects of sex, age, size and location of perforation on the sensitivity of erect chest X-ray for gastroduodenal perforation

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of the erect chest X-ray for diagnosing subdiaphragmatic free air. Furthermore, we examined the effects of different parameters, including sex, age, size of perforation, and the location of perforation on the sensitivity of the erect CXR.

METHODS

This study included all patients with perforated peptic ulcer (107 cases) referred to the Shahid Rajaei hospital of Tonekabon from April 2015 to August 2020. The perforated peptic ulcer was confirmed by laparotomy, and the erect chest X-ray was performed as a preoperative procedure. The collected checklist was analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics V22.0 software.

RESULTS

Achieved results showed total sensitivity of 86% for the erect chest X-ray. The sensitivity of the erect CXR was calculated, 88.5% and 82.6% at males and females, respectively. However, the sensitivity for different age groups was about 86%. The larger perforations resulted in higher sensitivity. Furthermore, the erect chest X-ray sensitivity for duodenal perforations (92.5%) was significantly greater than the gastric perforations (75%).

CONCLUSION

Based on this study, the erect chest X-ray could be utilized as a preoperative procedure with total sensitivity of 86% for gastroduodenal perforations. Patients' age and sex have no significant impact on the sensitivity (P-value > 0.05). However, the size and location of perforation significantly influenced the sensitivity (P-value < 0.05). The results demonstrated that larger perforations and duodenal perforations lead to the higher erect CXR sensitivity.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The erect chest X-ray is used as a routine procedure to detect subdiaphragmatic free air in gastroduodenal perforations. The effects of different factors such as age, sex, size of perforation, and the location of perforation on the sensitivity of the erect chest X-ray are discussed for the first time in this study.

Early detection and intervention for acute perforated peptic ulcer after elective spine surgeries: a review of 13 cases from 24,026 patients

BACKGROUND

To determine how perforated peptic ulcers be diagnosed earlier after patients undergoing an elective spine surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent elective spine surgeries at our hospital between January 2000 and April 2018 and experienced an acute perforated peptic ulcer were included. An age-and gender-matched control group was comprised of 26 patients without a postoperative acute perforated peptic ulcer who received spine surgery during the same period. Medical records and imaging studies were thoroughly reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were enrolled in the study group, including eight females and five males. Three patients, two females and one male, died of uncontrolled peritonitis during the hospital stay. All patients in the study group experienced the sudden onset of abdominal pain, which was continuous and progressively worsening. Patients with elevated serum amylase, a peptic ulcer history and increased intraoperative blood loss had a tendency to develop a postoperative perforated peptic ulcer.

CONCLUSION

Spine surgeons should be highly alert to these risk factors of postoperative perforated peptic ulcers inpatients who has history of peptic ulcer, large amount ofintraoperative blood loss and abnormal high serum amylase level after elective spine surgery. Early diagnosis and emergent surgical intervention promote better outcomes.

Primary closure versus Graham patch omentopexy in perforated peptic ulcer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There are different methods to repair a perforated peptic ulcer, the two most frequently used are the Graham patch omentopexy and the primary closure. Currently there is no high-level evidence to provide guidance of the optimal method of repair. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of the two methods so as to provide improved guidance for surgeons undertaking this repair.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted including any study that compared Graham patch omentopexy with primary closure in adults. Embase, Medline, Cochrane and Google's search engine were searched. The primary outcome was breakdown of the repair resulting in bile leak and the secondary outcomes were mortality, operation time, wound infection and time to start oral intake. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager Software version 5:4. Outcome data were reported as odd ratios and weighted mean differences with their 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Of the 229 studies identified, 6 were suitable for analysis, 4 were retrospective, one was a prospective cohort study and one was a randomized controlled trial. Meta-analysis showed no difference in occurrence of bile leak or mortality between primary closure and Graham patch omentopexy (OR 0.64; 95% (0.26-1.54) & 0.66; 95% (0.25-1.76) respectively). There was no difference in the rates of wound infection OR 0.65; 95% (0.4-1.05). The duration of the operation was shorter in the primary closure group by 5.6 min; 95% (-21 + 10.4).

CONCLUSION

There was no difference in the clinical outcomes between the two modes of repair.

Spontaneous esophageal rupture following perforated peptic ulcer: a report of two cases

Background

Spontaneous esophageal rupture, also called Boerhaave’s syndrome, is relatively uncommon but may result in high morbidity and mortality. Synchronous presentation of spontaneous esophageal rupture and perforated peptic ulcer was rare and may contribute to the difficulty of achieving a correct diagnosis.

Case presentation

We reported two patients with spontaneous esophageal rupture following perforated peptic ulcer. Both patients were successfully treated with thoracoscopic primary repair of esophageal rupture. The first patient underwent peptic ulcer repair via laparotomy. The second patient underwent laparoscopic duodenorrhaphy. Both patients resumed oral intake smoothly and were discharged uneventfully.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive approaches are safe and feasible for both esophageal rupture and perforated peptic ulcer in patients diagnosed within 24 h and without shock.

Risk factors influencing postoperative outcome in patients with perforated peptic ulcer: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) has been associated with substantially high incidence of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors affecting the outcome of patients having perforated peptic ulcer undergoing surgical intervention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of 112 patients with PPU who underwent emergency laparotomy between December 2014 and November 2016 were prospectively analyzed. Primary suture of the perforation and pedicled omentoplasty was done in all the patients. Data regarding patients was collected and correlated with the postoperative outcome.

RESULTS

The overall postoperative morbidity and mortality were 62.5% and 30.4%, respectively. On univariate analysis advanced age (≥ 60 years) [(p = 0.005), (OR = 3.6), (95% CI = 1.5-8.8)], pre-operative shock [(p < 0.001), (OR = 7.4), (95% CI = 2.6-21.0)], delayed presentation (> 24 h) [(p = 0.007), (OR = 4.0), (95% CI = 1.5-11.2)] and raised serum creatinine [(p < 0.001), (OR = 7.7), (95% CI = 3.1-19.0)] were found to be significantly associated with the post-operative morbidity. For mortality, advanced age (≥ 60 year) [(p < 0.001), (OR = 5.02), (95% CI = 2.1-11.9)], pre-operative shock [(p < 0.001), (OR = 19.3), (95% CI = 6.9-53.6)], comorbidity [(p = 0.03), (OR = 6.6), (95% CI = 1.2-35.7)] and raised serum creatinine [(p < 0.001), (OR = 13.1), (95% CI = 4.5-37.8)] were statistically significant factors. Multivariate analysis showed advanced age (≥ 60 years) (p = 0.05) and raised serum creatinine (p = 0.004) as significant factors for increased risk of post-operative morbidity. Advanced age (≥ 60 years), pre-operative shock and raised serum creatinine were found to be independent risk factors influencing post-operative mortality (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A thorough clinical evaluation, adequate resuscitation, sepsis control, addressing comorbidities and early access to hospital can reduce the risk morbidity and mortality in patients with PPU.

Potential use of peptic ulcer perforation (PULP) score as a conversion index of laparoscopic-perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) repair

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic repair is a well-accepted treatment modality for perforated peptic ulcer (PPU). However, intraoperative conversion to laparotomy is still not uncommon. We aimed to identify preoperative factors strongly associated with conversion.

METHODS

A retrospective review of records of all PPU patients treated between January 2011 and July 2019 was performed. Patients were divided into three groups: laparoscopic repair (LR), conversion to laparotomy (CL), and primary laparotomy (PL). Patient demographics, operative findings, and outcomes were compared between the groups. Logistic regression analyses were performed, taking conversion as the outcome.

RESULTS

Of 822 patients, there were 236, 45, and 541 in the LR, CL, and PL groups, respectively. The conversion rate was 16%. Compared with those in the LR group, patients in the CL group were older (p < 0.001), had higher PULP scores (p < 0.001), had higher ASA scores (p < 0.001) and had hypertension (p = 0.003). PULP score was the only independent risk factor for conversion. The area under the curve (AUC) for the PULP score to predict conversion was 75.3%, with a best cut-off value of ≥ 4. The operative time was shorter for PL group patients than for CL group patients with PULP scores ≥ 4. For patients with PULP scores < 4, LR group patients had a shorter length of stay than PL group patients.

CONCLUSION

The PULP score may have utility in predicting and minimizing conversion for laparoscopic PPU repair. Laparoscopic repair is the procedure of choice for PPU patients with PULP scores < 4, while open surgery is recommended for those with PULP scores ≥ 4.

A Population-Based Cohort Study Examining the Long-term Risk of Repeated Surgery in Non-Helicobacter pylori-Infected PPU Patients Who Underwent Simple Closure

OBJECTIVES

The management of perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) has shifted from vagotomy/drainage to simple closure, followed by postoperative proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication. Few studies have focused on the long-term impacts of this trend shift. We hypothesize that simple closure with PPIs is sufficient and does not carry an elevated rate of repeated surgery in non-HP-infected PPU patients.

METHODS

Hospitalized PPU patients who underwent simple closure or truncal vagotomy/pyloroplasty (TVP) in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) from 2000 to 2008 were collected. The index date was defined as the date of ulcer admission. Patients who underwent other ulcer surgeries (e.g., gastrectomy, highly or selective vagotomy), who had a history of HP infection, or who were < 18 or > 100 years old were excluded. Additionally, the distributions of postoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and PPI use were calculated using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID).

RESULTS

After exclusion, a total of 66,413 patients were enrolled. There were 7232 (10.9%) patients who underwent TVP and 59,181 (89.1%) patients who underwent simple closure. The incidences of repeated ulcer-associated surgery were 5.10 and 23.05 versus 5.11 and 15.77 per 1000 person-years in the TVP cohort vs. the simple closure cohort before and after propensity score matching, respectively. When adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, and Charlson comorbidity index score, the TVP cohort had a 68% (HR) and 66% (sHR) decreased risk compared with the simple closure cohort before propensity score matching, with a 67% decreased risk after propensity score matching in Cox proportional subdistribution hazard analysis and a 66% decreased risk in Fine-Gray proportional subdistribution hazard analysis. The LHID analysis showed a lower rate of postoperative NSAID use and a higher rate of postoperative PPI use in simple closure patients.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that in the Asian population, simple closure increases the risk of repeated ulcer-associated surgery in non-HP-infected PPU patients compared with TVP patients. However, further studies are warranted.

Epidemiology of perforating peptic ulcer: A population-based retrospective study over 40 years

BACKGROUND

The incidence of peptic ulcer disease has decreased during the last few decades, but the incidence of reported peptic ulcer complications has not decreased. Perforating peptic ulcer (PPU) is a severe form of the disease.

AIM

To assess trends in the incidence, presentation, and outcome of PPU over a period of 40 years.

METHODS

This was a single-centre, retrospective, cohort study of all patients admitted to Levanger Hospital, Norway, with PPU from 1978 to 2017. The patients were identified in the Patient Administrative System of the hospital using International Classification of Diseases (ICD), revision 8, ICD-9, and ICD-10 codes for perforated gastric and duodenal ulcers. We reviewed the medical records of the patients to retrieve data. Vital statistics were available for all patients. The incidence of PPU was analysed using Poisson regression with perforated ulcer as the dependent variable, and sex, age, and calendar year from 1978 to 2017 as covariates. Relative survival analysis was performed to compare long-term survival over the four decades.

RESULTS

Two hundred and nine patients were evaluated, including 113 (54%) men. Forty-six (22%) patients were older than 80 years. Median age increased from the first to the last decade (from 63 to 72 years). The incidence rate increased with increasing age, but we measured a decline in recent decades for both sexes. A significant increase in the use of acetylsalicylic acid, from 5% (2/38) to 18% (8/45), was observed during the study period. Comorbidity increased significantly over the 40 years of the study, with 22% (10/45) of the patients having an American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score 4-5 in the last decade, compared to 5% (2/38) in the first decade. Thirty-nine percent (81/209) of the patients had one or more postoperative complications. Both 100-day mortality and long-term survival were associated with ASA score, without significant variations between the decades.

CONCLUSION

Declining incidence rates occurred in recent years, but the patients were older and had more comorbidity. The ASA score was associated with both short-term mortality and long-term survival.

Enhanced Recovery After Emergency Surgery: Utopia or Reality?

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) constitutes the application of a series of perioperative measures based on the evidence, in order to achieve a better recovery of the patient and a decrease of the complications and the mortality. These ERAS programs initially proved their advantages in the field of colorectal surgery being progressively adopted by other surgical areas within the general surgery and other surgical specialties. The main excluding factor for the application of such programs has been the urgent clinical presentation, which has caused that despite the large volume of existing literature on ERAS in elective surgery, there are few studies that have investigated the effectiveness of these programs in surgical patients in emergencies. The aim of this article is to show ERAS measures currently available according to the existing evidence for emergency surgery.

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.

Skate or die: Unusual circumstances surrounding a natural cause of death

In a forensic pathologist's mind, a suspicious death scene involving inflicted injuries and a weapon always raises three possible hypotheses regarding the manner of death-homicide, suicide, or accident; the latter is slightly less common. We present a case of a 43-year-old homeless man with a history of chronic alcohol abuse who was found dead in a skate park in Geneva. He was inflicted with a stab wound to his abdomen, with a knife found in situ. With the suspicion of homicide, a crime scene investigation team, including a forensic pathologist, was summoned to the scene. However, further examination of the body revealed a deep cut with hesitation marks on the left forearm. This discovery raised the hypothesis of a suicide. Here, we have described the investigations made by the police and forensic department, along with the circumstances and autopsy findings that determined the cause of death as an effect of a natural disease.

Validation of prognostic scoring systems for predicting 30-day mortality in perforated peptic ulcer disease

Objectives

Perforations in Peptic Ulcer Disease are known to cause considerable morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to compare efficacy of known clinical parameters and three existing scoring systems in predicting 30-day mortality and determining mortality risk stratification based on risk factors.

Material and Methods

This was a prospective observational study of 190 patients operated for perforated peptic ulcer over a period of 14 months at a 1500 bed tertiary care university hospital in Western India.

Results

The mortality rate observed was 18.95%. Elderly population, raised serum creatinine, time delay to surgery > 24 hours, preoperative shock and pre-existing medical illness were identified as risk factors for poor postoperative prognosis. The Area under curve for mortality prediction was 0.590 for ASA, 0.745 for Boey and 0.804 for PULP score. Mortality was best anticipated by a combination of raised serum creatinine levels, preoperative shock and delayed surgery by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion

Poor outcome was significantly higher in the elderly, patients with raised serum creatinine, preoperative shock, pre-existing medical illness and when the time delay to surgery was > 24 hours. In spite of the Boey score being more practical in application, PULP score proved to be a more precise indicator of mortality. A larger study inclusive of other Mortality Risk Prediction Models would help formulate a more accurate and population specific scoring system.

Laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer is not prognostic factor for 30-day mortality (a nationwide prospective cohort study)

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery has become increasingly popular in treating perforated peptic ulcer (PPU). However, currently it is not recognized as a prognostic factor for mortality within this group of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether laparoscopic surgery was an independent mortality risk factor in patients treated surgically for perforated peptic ulcer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a Danish nationwide cohort study based on prospectively collected data of 1008 patients treated surgically for PPU between September 2011 and December 2015. A propensity score matching analysis, considering most of the known prognostic factors for mortality and baseline characteristics, was used to adjust mortality estimates in patients treated with open and laparoscopic surgery. The primary outcome was postoperative 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 1008 patients; 507 were treated laparoscopically and 501 by open surgery. There was significantly higher mean age, and higher ASA scores, as well as other mortality risk factors in the open surgery group. The unadjusted 30-day mortality was significantly lower in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery compared to open surgery (HR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.36-0.65). After matching and weighting controls, the adjusted difference in mortality was reduced and was not significant (HR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.59-1.15). The 30-day mortality was 13.1% for laparoscopy and 14.7% for the matched controls in the open surgery group.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic surgery in patients with PPU does not reduce short term mortality. More well powered randomized clinical trials are needed to investigate the role of laparoscopic surgery in treatment of patients with PPU.

Changing pattern of perforated PUD: Are NSAIDs to be blamed?

Objectives

This study aimed to determine if there is association between gastric perforation and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) abuse in patients presenting with perforated peptic ulcer disease (PPUD).

Material and Methods

The data were collected retrospectively from May 2011 to May 2015 and then prospectively until December 2017. Sixty patients diagnosed with PPUD on exploratory laparotomy were evaluated. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 21.0). P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 60 patients were operated on for PPUD during the study period. Forty-five (75.0%) patients gave significant history of NSAIDs use, of which nine (20.0%) had medical prescription, while others were over the counter medications. None of the patients was on ulcer prophylaxis including those who were on long term use and with prior dyspeptic symptoms. Five patients (11.1%) were on the recommended dose of the NSAIDs, thus patients in this series showed irrational use of NSAIDs. Forty-two (93.3%) patients had gastric perforation, while only three of the patients had duodenal perforation. The association between significant NSAIDs use and gastric perforation was found to be significant (p= 0.002). There was no difference in the site of perforation when patients who were on long term NSAIDs were compared with short term NSAIDs use (10.0 vs. 35.0) (p= 0.061). In addition, long term NSAIDs use (p= 0.041), ignorance of proper dose of the medication (p= 0.003), and gastric ulcer perforations (p= 0.011) were independent causes of mortality in the studied patients when age and duration of the presentations were matched.

Conclusion

NSAIDs use, including both long- and short-term use, was significant among patients with gastric perforation.

Assessment of PULP score in predicting 30-day perforated duodenal ulcer morbidity, and comparison of its performance with Boey and ASA, a retrospective study

Background

/aim: Scores commonly employed to risk stratify perforated peptic ulcer patients include ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists), Boey and peptic ulcer perforation score (PULP). However, few studies assessed and compared the accuracy indices of these three scores in predicting post PPU repair 30-day morbidity. We assessed accuracy indices of PULP, and compared them to Boey and ASA in predicting post perforated duodenal (PDU) ulcer repair 30-day morbidity.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of all PDU patients (perforated duodenal ulcers only) at the largest two hospitals in Qatar (N = 152). Data included demographic, clinical, laboratory, operative, and post repair 30-day morbidity. Area under the Curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity were computed for each of the 3 scores. Multivariate logistic regression assessed the accuracy indices of each score.

Results

All patients were males (M age 37.41 years). Post PDU repair 30-day morbidity was 10.5% (16 morbidities). Older age, higher ASA (≥3), Boey (≥1) or PULP (≥8) scores, shock on admission and preoperative comorbidities; and conversely, lower hemoglobin and albumin were all positively significantly associated with higher post PDU 30-day morbidity. PULP displayed the largest AUC (72%), and was the only score to significantly predict 30-day morbidity. The current study is the first to report the sensitivity and specificity of these three scores for post PDU repair 30-day morbidity; and first to assess accuracy indices for PULP in predicting post PDU repair 30-day morbidity.

Conclusion

PULP score had the largest AUC and was the only score to significantly predict post PDU repair 30-day morbidity.

•

The current study is the first to report the sensitivity and specificity of the three scoring systems (ASA, Boey and PULP) for post perforated duodenal ulcer repair 30-day morbidity.

•

It is also the first study to assess accuracy indices for PULP in predicting post perforated duodenal ulcer repair 30-day morbidity.

•

Compared with ASA and Boey, PULP score had the largest area under the curve and was the only score to significantly predict post perforated duodenal ulcer repair 30-day morbidity.

Over-the-scope-clip applications for perforated peptic ulcer. Surg Endosc. 2019;33:4122-4127. [PMID: 30805784 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-019-06717-x]

AIM

To investigate the effectiveness of over-the-scope-clip (OTSC)-based endoscopic closure in patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU).

METHODS

One hundred six patients diagnosed with PPU were treated with either OTSC (n = 26) or conservative treatments (n = 80), respectively. The outcome assessments included technical success rate, clinical success rate, post-treatment complications after 1 month, mortality rate, time to resume oral feeding, length of hospital stay, and the administration of antibiotics.

RESULTS

In the OTSC group, technical and clinical success was achieved in 100% of patients without any complications, including death, incomplete closure, duodenal obstruction, and gastrointestinal bleeding, with a median operation time of 10 min. All patients in the OTSC group were discharged, while the mortality rate in the control group was 13.8%. Subsequent surgeries were required in 30% of patients in the control group. The median times to resume oral feeding were 3.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.0-5.25) days in the OTSC group and 7.0 (IQR 5.0-9.0) days in the control group (p < 0.001). One month post-procedure, 30% (24/80) of patients in the control group and 0 (0/26) in the OTSC group required additional operations (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the length of the hospital stay and the administration of antibiotics between the two groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

OTSC-based endoscopic technique, with a high clinical success rate and a shorter time to resume oral feeding, was effective in achieving closure of PPU with a diameter < 15 mm.

Prehospital triage of patients diagnosed with perforated peptic ulcer or peptic ulcer bleeding: an observational study of patients calling 1-1-2

BACKGROUND

Triage systems are used in emergency medical services to systematically prioritize prehospital resources according to individual patient conditions. Previous studies have shown cases of preventable deaths in emergency medical services even when triage systems are used, indicating a potential undertriage among some conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the triage level among patients diagnosed with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) or peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB).

METHODS

In a three-year period in Central Denmark Region, all patients hospitalized within 24 h after a 1-1-2 emergency call and who subsequently received either a PPU or a PUB (hereinafter combined and referred to as PPU/PUB) or a First Hour Quintet (FHQ: respiratory failure, stroke, trauma, cardiac chest pain, and cardiac arrest) diagnosis were investigated. A modified Poisson regression was used to estimate the relative risk of receiving the highest and lowest prehospital response level. Also, a linear regression analysis was used to estimate the relative risk of 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Of 8658 evaluated patients, 263 were diagnosed with PPU/PUB. After adjusting for relevant confounding variables, patients diagnosed with PPU/PUB were less likely to receive ambulance transportation compared to patients diagnosed with stroke, RR = 1.41 (CI: 1.28-1.56); trauma, RR = 1.28 (CI: 1.15-1.42); cardiac chest pain, RR = 1.47 (CI: 1.33-1.62); and cardiac arrest, RR = 1.44 (CI: 1.31-1.42). Among patients diagnosed with PPU/PUB, 6.5% (CI: 3.3-9.7) did not receive ambulance transportation. The proportion of patients not receiving ambulance transportation was higher among patients diagnosed with PPU/PUB compared to patients diagnosed with an FHQ diagnosis. The 30-day mortality rate among patients diagnosed with PPU/PUB was 7.8% (CI: 4.2-11.1). This was lower than the 30-day mortality rate among patients diagnosed with respiratory failure (P = 0.010), stroke (P = 0.001), and cardiac arrest (P < 0.001), but comparable to the 30-day mortality among patients diagnosed with cardiac chest pain (P = 0.080) and trauma (P = 0.281).

CONCLUSION

Among patients calling 1-1-2, fewer patients diagnosed with PPU/PUB received ambulance transportation than patients diagnosed with FHQ diagnoses, despite a high mortality among patients diagnosed with PPU/PUB.

Evaluation of risk factors for perforated peptic ulcer

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prediction factors for perforated peptic ulcer (PPU).

Methods

At St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo, Japan, a case control study was performed between August 2004 and March 2016. All patients diagnosed with PPU were included. As control subjects, patients with age, sex and date of CT scan corresponding to those of the PPU subjects were included in the study at a proportion of 2 controls for every PPU subject. All data such as past medical histories, physical findings, and laboratory data were collected through chart reviews. Univariate analyses and multivariate analyses with logistic regression were conducted, and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were calculated to show validity. Sensitivity analyses were performed to confirm results using a stepwise method and conditional logistic regression.

Results

A total of 408 patients were included in this study; 136 were a group of patients with PPU, and 272 were a control group. Univariate analysis showed statistical significance in many categories. Four different models of multivariate analyses were conducted, and significant differences were found for muscular defense and a history of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in all models. The conditional forced-entry analysis of muscular defense showed an odds ratio (OR) of 23.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.70–100.0), and the analysis of PUD history showed an OR of 6.40 (95% CI: 1.13–36.2). The sensitivity analysis showed consistent results, with an OR of 23.8–366.2 for muscular defense and an OR of 3.67–7.81 for PUD history. The area under the curve (AUC) of all models was high enough to confirm the results. However, anticoagulants, known risk factors for PUD, did not increase the risk for PPU in our study. The conditional forced-entry analysis of anticoagulant use showed an OR of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.03–22.3).

Conclusions

The evaluation of prediction factors and development of a prediction rule for PPU may help our decision making in performing a CT scan for patients with acute abdominal pain.

Laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer: simple closure versus omentopexy

BACKGROUND

This report presents our experience with laparoscopic repair performed in 118 consecutive patients diagnosed with a perforated peptic ulcer (PPU). We compared the surgical outcome of simple closure with modified Cellan-Jones omentopexy and report the safety and benefit of simple closure.

METHODS

From January 2010 to December 2014, 118 patients with PPU underwent laparoscopic repair with simple closure (n = 27) or omentopexy (n = 91). Charts were retrospectively reviewed for demographic characteristics and outcome. The data were compared by Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson's chi-square test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The results were considered statistically significant if P < 0.05.

RESULTS

No patients died, whereas three incurred leakage. After matching, the simple closure and omentopexy groups had similarity in sex, systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, Boey score, Charlson comorbidity index, Mannheim peritonitis index, and leakage. There were statistically significant differences in age, length of hospital stay, perforated size, and operating time. Comparison of the operating time in the ≤4.0 mm and 5.0-12 mm groups revealed that the simple closure took less time than omentopexy in both groups (≤4.0 mm, 76 versus 133 minutes, P < 0.0001; 5.0-12 mm, 97 versus 139.5 minutes; P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to the omentopexy, laparoscopic simple closure is a safe procedure and shortens the operating time.

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.

Laparoscopic versus open operation for perforated peptic ulcer in pediatric patients: A 10-year experience

BACKGROUND

Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is a relatively uncommon condition in children. We aim to evaluate and compare the outcomes of laparoscopic omental patch repair versus open repair for PPU in pediatric patients.

METHODS

Children who underwent omental patch repair for PPU from 2004 to 2014 in our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Patient demographics, perioperative as well as intraoperative details and surgical outcomes, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were identified, and all presented with abdominal pain. The median age of the study group was 14.9years (range 6.3 to 18.4years). Radiological evidence of pneumoperitoneum on erect chest x-ray (CXR) was found only in five patients (38.5%). None of the patients had a known history of peptic ulcer disease. Diagnosis other than PPU was made in five patients preoperatively. Laparoscopic repair was attempted in eight patients with one of them requiring conversion. There was no significant difference in patient demographics when compared with the open repair group. The perforation site was in the duodenum in 11 patients and in the antrum in two patients. The mean size of perforation was larger in the open repair group (p=0.005). Although the operating time was longer in the laparoscopic group (p=0.51), the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (p=0.048). Only two patient diseases were Helicobacter pylori related.

CONCLUSION

Clinical features of perforated peptic ulcer in children are different from adults. Risk factors are less frequently identified. Laparoscopic omental patch repair is a feasible surgical option and is associated with satisfactory outcomes in pediatric practice.

The relationship between computed tomography findings and the locations of perforated peptic ulcers: it may provide better information for gastrointestinal surgeons

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in diagnosing gastrointestinal perforation. This study explored the relationship between CT findings and the locations of perforated peptic ulcers (PPUs), which may help further surgical planning.

METHODS

During a 34-month period, 175 patients had CT scans. We categorized those 175 patients into 2 groups: patients with and without a PPU at a difficult ulcer site for a laparoscopic approach. Both clinical data and the CT images were reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

Based on the univariate analysis results, we conducted multivariate analyses of 3 factors: age, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of 3 or more, and positive lesser sac image findings. The positive lesser sac findings in CT were the only independent factor that was correlated to the PPU site.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive lesser sac CT findings may help to predict PPUs in sites where a laparoscopic approach might be difficult. Our study re-evaluates the additional value of CT scanning in diagnosing PPU, and the results may assist with surgical planning in clinical practice.

Conversion of laparoscopic surgery for perforated peptic ulcer: a single-center study

PURPOSE

A perforated peptic ulcer can be managed laparoscopically in selected patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether conversion of emergency laparoscopy is inferior to primary median laparotomy in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

We analyzed patients who underwent laparoscopic or open surgery for a perforated peptic ulcer at the Department of Surgery, University of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck between January, 1996 and December, 2010. Perforations were graded according to the Boey classification, a preoperative risk-scoring system.

RESULTS

Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in 20 of the 45 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery (CG); therefore, laparoscopic operations were completed in 25 patients (LG). The third patient cohort comprised 139 patients who underwent primary laparotomy (OG). Overall minor morbidity was significantly lower (p = 0.048) in the LG patients than in the OG patients, whereas no significant differences were found in major morbidity and mortality, particularly between the OG and CG.

CONCLUSION

Patients' suitability for laparoscopic management should be decided on according to Boey's clinical scoring system. Our findings demonstrated that conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy was not associated with elevated postoperative morbidity or mortality versus initial laparotomy. Therefore, emergency operations may be commenced laparoscopically in selected patients, especially considering the postoperative advantages of this approach.

Laparoscopic-assisted surgery for perforated peptic ulcer: Analysis of 53 cases

AIM: To explore the effect of laparoscopic-assisted surgery for perforated peptic ulcer to provide evidence for the clinical treatment of such disease.

METHODS: One hundred and six patients with perforated peptic ulcer were enrolled in this study from February 2010 to October 2013 at our hospital. The patients were randomly assigned to receive traditional laparotomy (control group) or laparoscopic-assisted surgery (treatment group), with 53 patients in each group. The operative time, blood loss, flatus time and other perioperative indicators, as well as pain score, painkiller utilization and complication rate were recorded and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: The treatment group had significantly lower postoperative blood loss, ambulation time, flatus time, hospitalization time and time to recovery of bowel sounds than the control group (42.0 mL ± 12.1 mL vs 156.0 mL ± 34.6 mL, 10.4 h ± 2.9 h vs 38.7 h ± 9.7 h, 16.8 h ± 2.3 h vs 40.6 h ± 6.9 h, 6.6 d ± 2.1 d vs 12.8 d ± 3.5 d, 18.4 h ± 5.6 h vs 45.6 h ± 7.7 h, P < 0.05). The pain scores on postoperative days 1, 2 and 7 were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (3.1 ± 0.4 vs 5.3 ± 0.3, 2.4 ± 0.6 vs 4.4 ± 0.4, 1.6 ± 0.2 vs 3.2 ± 0.3, 11.3% vs 43.4%, P < 0.05). The incidences of wound infection and inflammation were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The effect of laparoscopic-assisted surgery is superior to that of traditional laparotomy in the management of perforated peptic ulcer.

Epidemiology of perforated peptic ulcer: Age- and gender-adjusted analysis of incidence and mortality

AIM: To investigate the epidemiological trends in incidence and mortality of perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) in a well-defined Norwegian population.

METHODS: A retrospective, population-based, single-center, consecutive cohort study of all patients diagnosed with benign perforated peptic ulcer. Included were both gastric and duodenal ulcer patients admitted to Stavanger University Hospital between January 2001 and December 2010. Ulcers with a malignant neoplasia diagnosis, verified by histology after biopsy or resection, were excluded. Patients were identified from the hospitals administrative electronic database using pertinent ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes (K25.1, K25.2, K25.5, K25.6, K26.1, K26.2, K26.5, K26.6). Additional searches using appropriate codes for relevant laparoscopic and open surgical procedures (e.g., JDA 60, JDA 61, JDH 70 and JDH 71) were performed to enable a complete identification of all patients. Patient demographics, presentation patterns and clinical data were retrieved from hospital records and surgical notes. Crude and adjusted incidence and mortality rates were estimated by using national population demographics data.

RESULTS: In the study period, a total of 172 patients with PPU were identified. The adjusted incidence rate for the overall 10-year period was 6.5 per 100 000 per year (95%CI: 5.6-7.6) and the adjusted mortality rate for the overall 10-year period was 1.1 per 100 000 per year (95%CI: 0.7-1.6). A non-significant decline in adjusted incidence rate from 9.7 to 5.6 occurred during the decade. The standardized mortality ratio for the whole study period was 5.7 (95%CI: 3.9-8.2), while the total 30-d mortality was 16.3%. No difference in incidence or mortality was found between genders. However, for patients ≥ 60 years, the incidence increased over 10-fold, and mortality more than 50-fold, compared to younger ages. The admission rates outside office hours were high with almost two out of three (63%) admissions seen at evening/night time shifts and/or during weekends. The observed seasonal variations in admissions were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: The adjusted incidence rate, seasonal distribution and mortality rate was stable. PPU frequently presents outside regular work-hours. Increase in incidence and mortality occurs with older age.