Meropenem antibiotic therapy in acute secondary peritonitis, therapeutic effects superior to other therapies - experimental clinical and histopathological study in the laboratory animal

AIM

A perforated peptic ulcer is the most common cause of peritonitis through the perforation of the digestive tube, which occurs in a percentage between 2% and 14% of patients diagnosed with peptic ulcer and being associated with a 10% to 30% mortality rate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Considering the above, we imagined a study, using laboratory animals, in which we produced gastric perforations, then followed their evolution without antibiotic treatment and under antibiotic therapy with Cefuroxime 25 mg∕kg∕24 hours intravenously or Meropenem 40 mg∕kg∕24 hours intravenously, following the tissue changes both macroscopically and microscopically.

RESULTS

The study revealed a mortality of 36.6%, most deaths (81.82%) occurred in the first 24 hours after the perforation, all subjects belonging to the group that did not receive antibiotic treatment and the group treated with Cefuroxime. From a clinical point of view (evaluation of the general condition), macroscopically and microscopically, a better evolution of the subjects who received antibiotic therapy can be observed, compared to those who did not receive antibiotic therapy, thus in the case of subjects who received antibiotic therapy, the absence or the presence of a small amount of intraperitoneal fluid, which has a serocitrine appearance, as well as the absence of macroscopic changes at the level of unaffected intraperitoneal organs, can be observed. Microscopically, it can be seen that in the subjects treated with Meropenem, changes in the parietal peritoneum were minimal.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic therapy with Meropenem in acute peritonitis has a survival rate comparable to peritoneal lavage and source control.

[SURGICAL TREATMENT OF COMPLICATED GASTRODUODENAL ULCER]

Results of operative treatment of 437 patients with complicated gastroduodenal ulcer were summarized. The modern views on the problem of conservative therapy for gas- troduodenal ulcer were presented. A rational individual approach with a certain terms is necessary for conservative treatment of gastroduodenal ulcer. A real way for improve- ment of the patients treatment results--it is a combination of effective conservative treatment with a timely established indications for a planned operative treatment before dangerous complications occur.

Perforation of a duodenal ulcer into a non-parasitic liver cyst: a rare case of a penetrate hole blockaded with conservative medical management

An 88-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital for abdominal pain with a raised inflammatory reaction. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and computed tomography (CT) showed a duodenal ulcer punching a liver cyst. Since neither ascites nor free air were detected on CT and her family did not wish for aggressive medical treatment, the patient received clinical observation and conservative management. Antibiotic and proton-pump inhibitor therapy was effective, and she exhibited an uneventful recovery. A reexamination of EGD and CT confirmed that the fistulous tract between the liver cyst and duodenum was blockaded.

[Perforated duodenal ulcer in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operated patient can be a diagnostic challenge]

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is an increasingly used procedure when treating morbid obesity. Due to the extensive gastrointestinal rearrangement, diagnostic evaluation of patients with gastric bypass and acute abdominal pain can be difficult. We present a case of a perforated duodenal ulcer in a RYGBP operated patient, where free abdominal fluid, but hardly any pneumoperitoneum was seen on a computed tomography. Free intraperitoneal fluid is an important finding and should give suspicion of the need for emergency surgery in RYGBP operated patients with abdominal pain.

[Digestive tract perforations at Point G Teaching Hospital in Bamako, Mali]

AIMS

To determine the most frequent causes of the digestive perforations and to evaluate the surgical procedures, the morbidity and mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

It was about a retrospective descriptive study, over 5 year's period in a visceral service of CHU du Point G, Bamako. Were included in the study all the patients operated for digestive perforation and hospitalized in the service of surgery "A". Were not included in the study patient operated not presenting a digestive perforation. Per operational etiologies of the perforations and their frequency were determined, as well as the morbidity and morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Files of 202 patients were collected. The average age of the patients was 28.3 ± 15.5 years with extremes of 6 and 71 years. The frequency of digestive perforations was higher in the age from 11 to 20 years (29.7%). The average time of consultation was of 7± 6 days. Abdominal pains, nauseas and vomiting, matter and gas stop (48.5%) were the most current functional signs. A "wood belly" abdomen was found in 72,3% of the cases. The radiography of abdomen without preparation found a diffuse greyness (64.7%), a pneumoperitoine (30.7%). A double antibiotic therapy was made in all the cases. A median laparotomy was practiced in 98,5%, and laparoscopy in 3 cases (1.5%). A single perforation was found among 172 patients (85,1%). Morbidity, all confused causes, was made of 30 cases of parietal suppurations (14.8%). Total mortality was 74%. According to aetiologies it was 10.3% in the typhic perforations, 4.6% in the appendicular perforations and 4.9% in the perforations of gastroduodenal ulcers.

CONCLUSION

The most frequent aetiologies of digestive perforation in our context were the typhoid fever, acute appendicitis and the gastroduodenal ulcer. The résection - joining and peritoneal toilet were the most practised procedure. The main factor of bad outcome remains the diagnostic delay burdening morbidity and mortality.

Perforated peptic ulcer--a complication in acute salicylate intoxication

A patient with perforated peptic ulcer following acute salicylate intoxication is presented. The patient had reversible renal failure requiring dialysis therapy, but no abdominal symptoms were noticed until six days after arrival. At this time haematemesis and melaena were observed. Symptoms and objective findings were vague, but further investigations revealed a perforated prepyloric ulcer, which was successfully treated with cimetidine, The delay from intoxication to symptoms has previously been described and might be due to the analgetic properties of salicylates.

Results of conservative treatment for perforated gastroduodenal ulcers in patients not eligible for surgical repair

BACKGROUND

Conservative treatment of perforated gastroduodenal ulcer has been shown to be associated with good results in patients whose general condition is good. However, its use in patients not eligible for surgical repair has not been supported. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of conservative treatment in these patients in the era of proton pump inhibitor.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the period 1978-2004, 533 patients were admitted for perforated gastroduodenal ulcer. 503 patients underwent surgery, while 30 (median age 79 [42-98] years) were allocated to conservative treatment due to poor general condition. Conservative treatment consisted of nasogastric aspiration, antibiotics and antisecretory therapy (H2-blockers from 1978-1995, 11 patients, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) from 1996, 19 patients). Endpoints were: hospital morbidity and mortality and hospital stay.

RESULTS

Overall morbidity and mortality were 33% and 30%. Median hospital stay was 11 days (range 0-32). General complications developed in 73% versus 16% of patients (p = 0.023) and mortality was 64% versus 11% (p = 0.008) for the H2-blocker and PPI groups respectively. On multivariate analysis mortality correlated with presence of shock at admission and type of antisecretory therapy.

CONCLUSION

In the era of PPI conservative treatment for perforated ulcer is possible with acceptable morbidity and mortality in patients not eligible for surgical repair. However, presence of shock at admission was associated with high mortality and, even in these patients, militates in favour of a surgical approach.

[Perforated gastroduodenal stress ulcer]

Experimental and clinical data support the role of oxidative stress in the development of gastro-duodenal inflammatory lesions and peptic ulcer. Although quite common, stress ulcer remains a minor concern in the The authors review the literature data and perform a retrospective study on 205 personal cases of gastroduodenal ulcers, diagnosed and operated in the period 1986-2005. Of these, 58 (28.29%) were perforated ulcers, including 4 cases (6.8%) caused by various psychic traumas. All the patients presented symptoms and signs characteristic for perforated ulcer and were undoubtedly of psychogenic cause. The surgical treatment consisted in the closure of the perforation and peritoneal drainage. Besides medical treatment of peptic ulcer disease consisting of antisecretory drugs, antioxidants and sedatives were used. Postoperative follow-up showed a rapid and uneventful recovery in all cases. In conclusion, surgery is the mainstay of treatment in perforated ulcer, but additional stress therapy promotes healing and may reduce postoperative morbidity in cases with certain involvement of psychic trauma.

Taylor's method: a therapeutic alternative for perforated gastroduodenal ulcer

BACKGROUND/AIMS

In the context of actual trends towards an efficient and less aggressive therapy of peptic ulcer, it seems that Taylor's method, in selected cases of perforated gastroduodenal ulcers (PGDU), comes again into attention. The aim of this study was to present our 16 years' experience with Taylor's treatment as an efficient option for sealed perforated ulcers, and to highlight the indications and advantages of this method.

METHODOLOGY

A retrospective study, and prospective since 1990, was carried out on a series of 64 patients out of 592 (10%) diagnosed with PGDU between 1987 and 2003. The patients were carefully evaluated, particularly looking for clinical, laboratory and imaging diagnosis factors, indicating potential candidates for conservative approach: short history, hydropneumoperitoneum in small amount on admission. Two thirds of the patients presented in the Emergency Unit less than 12 hours from the onset of the symptoms. The diagnosis of PGDU was established by corroborating the obvious symptoms and abdominal signs with erect chest X-ray and ultrasonography (US) of the abdomen. The efficiency of Taylor's method, consisting of nasogastric aspiration, fluids resuscitation, parenteral broad spectrum antibiotics and antisecretory drugs, was assessed by meticulous repeated physical examinations, dynamics of WBC (white blood cell) and US. In case of failure, this method remained as a part of preoperative treatment.

RESULTS

The method was successful in 57 out of 64 (89%) cases of perforated peptic ulcer disease, selected from the 592 cases admitted with perforated peptic ulcer following the clinical and imaging criteria previously mentioned. The presence of pneumoperitoneum certifies the diagnosis of PGDU, but the amount of peritoneal fluid assessed by US predicts the success of the procedure. Seven patients developed complications (10.9%), mainly intraabdominal abscesses and only four of them needed surgical drainage. The mortality was nil. After discharge all patients were referred to gastroenterologists for monitoring the medical treatment and no recurrence was encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

The Taylor's method is a reliable alternative in selected cases of perforated gastroduodenal ulcers, the main advantage being the avoidance of anesthetic and surgical stress with their potential morbidity and mortality.

Management strategies, early results, benefits, and risk factors of laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer

The primary goal of this study was to describe epidemiology and management strategies of the perforated duodenal ulcer, as well as the most common methods of laparoscopic perforated duodenal ulcer repair. The secondary goal was to demonstrate the value of prospective and retrospective studies regarding the early results of surgery and the risk factors. The tertiary goal was to emphasize the benefits of this operation, and the fourth goal was to clarify the possible risk factors associated with laparoscopic repair of the duodenal ulcer. The Medline/Pubmed database was used. Review was done after evaluation of 96 retrieved full-text articles. Thirteen prospective and twelve retrospective studies were selected, grouped, and summarized. The spectrum of the retrospective studies' results are as follows: median overall morbidity rate 10.5 %, median conversion rate 7%, median hospital stay 7 days, and median postoperative mortality rate 0%. The following is the spectrum of results of the prospective studies: median overall morbidity rate was slightly less (6%); the median conversion rate was higher (15%); the median hospital stay was shorter (5 days) and the postoperative mortality was higher (3%). The risk factors identified were the same. Shock, delayed presentation (> 24 hours), confounding medical condition, age > 70 years, poor laparoscopic expertise, ASA III-IV, and Boey score should be considered preoperative laparoscopic repair risk factors. Each of these factors independently should qualify as a criterion for open repair due to higher intraoperative risks as well as postoperative morbidity. Inadequate ulcer localization, large perforation size (defined by some as > 6 mm diameter, and by others as > 10 mm), and ulcers with friable edges are also considered as conversion risk factors.

Perforated peptic ulcer treated by simple closure and Helicobacter pylori eradication

Simple closure followed by Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication has become the most used procedure in perforated ulcer treatment. However, its efficacy and safety are still to be determined. To assess recurrence and re-perforation rates, and as a secondary objective, to analyze Hp infection rates in perforated ulcer patients and controls, we conducted a prospective study. Ninety-two consecutive patients (ages: 19-96 years) were operated on between 1996 and 2002, and treated by simple closure followed by Hp eradication and NSAID avoidance. The data were prospectively collected in a database. Hp infection was diagnosed in 68 patients (73.9%). Thirty-four patients (37%) consumed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and 23 (25%) had both Hp infection and NSAID antecedents. The perforation was gastric in 4 cases and pre-pyloric, pyloric or duodenal in 88. There were postoperative complications in 24 patients (26%) and 4 patients died (4.3%). Hp eradication was shown in 46 patients. There was clinical ulcer recurrence in 4 (4.3%); in 3 of them recurrence manifested as re-perforation, all in gastric locations. Overall relapse and re-perforation 1-year crude rates were 6.1% and 4.1%, respectively. Crude rates for non-gastric ulcer recurrence were 0 at 1 year and 2.6% at 2 years and for non-gastric ulcer re-perforation rates were 0 at 1 and 2 years. This therapeutic strategy is associated with a low rate of recurrence and no re-perforations in case of duodenal, pyloric, or pre-pyloric perforated ulcers, but it is not acceptable for perforated gastric ulcers.

[Non operative treatment for perforated peptic ulcer: results of a prospective study]

BACKGROUND

The conservative management of perforated peptic ulcer has not gained widespread acceptance despite introduction of proton-pomp inhibitors because surgical procedures can achieve immediate closure by eventually using a laparoscopic approach. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the results of Taylor's method and to identify predictive factors of failure of medical treatment in patients presenting with perforated peptic ulcer.

METHOD

Between 1990 and 2000, 82 consecutive patients, with diagnosis of perforated peptic ulcer were prospectively included in this study. They were initially treated with non-operative procedure (nasogastric suction and intravenous administration of H2-blockers or proton-pomp inhibitors). No clinical improvement after 24 hours required a surgical treatment. Predictive factors of failure of non-operative treatment were tested in univariate or multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Clinical improvement was obtained with non-operative treatment in 54% of the patients (44/82). The overall mortality rate was 1%. In univariate analysis, significant predictive factors of failure of non-operative treatment were: size of pneumoperitoneum, heart beat >94 bpm, abdominal meteorism, pain at digital rectal exam, and age >59 years. In multivariate analysis, the significant factors were the size of pneumoperitoneum, heart beat, and abdominal meteorism. The association of these criteria: size of pneumoperitoneum >size of the first lumbar vertebra, heart beat >94 bpm, pain at digital rectal exam and age > 59 years , led to surgical treatment in all cases.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that more than 50% of patients with perforated peptic ulcer respond to conservative treatment without surgery and that the association of few criteria (size of pneumoperitoneum, heart beat, pain at digital rectal exam and age) require emergency surgery.

Quality of life after peptic perforation

AIM OF STUDY

Quality of life (QOL) as outcome during treatment of acid peptic disease has been studied, but, peptic perforation, which is the commonest complication of acid peptic disease, has not been studied in the light of QOL outcome. The present-study addresses the important issue of QOL after peptic perforations.

METHODS

This prospective study was carried on 51 adult consecutive survivors of peptic perforation managed in Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Government NSCB Medical College and Hospital, Jabalpur (MP) India. These underwent exploratory laparotomy with repair of perforation, and subsequently were discharged on anti-ulcer therapy (Pantoprazole 40 mg once a day) for 6 weeks. The instrument chosen to study their QOL was gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI). Patients were assessed before they underwent surgery and 3 months and 6 months after operation.

RESULTS

The overall GIQLI score (t = 20.1, p < 0.00 at 3 months; t = 8.2, p < 0.001 at 6 months) as well as its G I core (t = 14.5, p < 0.001 at 3 months; t = 7.3, p < 0.001 at 6 months), G I disease specific (t = 12.9, p < 0.001 at 3 months; t = 2.6, p < 0.02 at 6 months), psychological (t = 15.4, p < 0.001 at 3 months; t = 3.5, p < 0.001 at 6 months) and physical and social components (t = 10.9, p < 0.001 at 3 months; t = 4.2, p < 0.001 at 6 months) significantly increased over 3 and 6 months of follow-up, reflecting improvement in quality of life as perceived by the patients. Variations in the pattern of recovery, based on age and gender were not seen in the present study.

CONCLUSION

Peptic perforation does not result in any long lasting impairment of QOL and the QOL improves to near normal in 6 months time after the perforation.

[Perforated gastric ulcer in the child: a rare complication, a case report]

Perforated gastric ulcer is unusual in children. We report a case in a girl with an unexpected evolution.

CASE REPORT

A 13-year-old girl was admitted for abdominal pain. She had no particular personal history but her father had a perforated ulcer. On admission she was not painful, her abdomen was soft on palpation. The white blood cell count was 1.7 x 10(3)/mm3. A right pneumoperitoneum was seen on an abdominal X-ray film. Because of her good general status and the normalization of the abdominal X ray film six hours later, no surgical exploration was performed. On the fourth day, a gastrointestinal endoscopy showed an anterior gastric ulcer which was perforated. Biopsies did not isolate H. pylori. The patient was given a treatment with amoxicillin-metronidazole (7 d) and oméprazole (7 weeks). An endoscopic control, one month later, showed a total healing of the gastric ulcer.

CONCLUSION

Peptic ulcerations and their complications are underdiagnosed in childhood. This could lead to delay in diagnosis or inappropriate treatment specially in case of perforation.

[Results of pre- and postoperative treatment of complicated duodenal ulcers with proton pump inhibitors ]

Benefit of monotherapy of duodenal ulcers by lanzap in 36 patients was compared to that of combined therapy including panitidin in 26 patients. Lanzap brought about ulcer healing within 7-10 days in 55.6%, within 14-16 days ulcer scarring was observed in 35 patients (97.2%). Ulcer healing progressed depending on ulcer size. Combined treatment with ranitidine promoted ulcer scarring in 14-16 days in 73% patients. Lanzap monotherapy in preoperative period promoted fast healing of ulcer defect anf provided optimal conditions for surgery.

[Treatment of patients with perforative gastroduodenal ulcer]

Social and medical aspects of unsatisfactory results of treatment of patients with perforative gastroduodenal ulcer (GDU) were analyzed. There was shown, that social reasons cause not only untimely diagnosis of this severe complication, but they are also slowing down the elaboration and improvement of pathogenetically substantiated methods of operative intervention. While analyzing results of surgical treatment of 590 patients with perforative GDU, of whom in 53 truncal vagotomy was performed, in 241--selective vagotomy, in 296--selective proximal (SPV), there was established, that SPV under condition of serotonin adipinate application in early postoperative period, influencing the gut smooth muscles, constitutes most effective operative intervention.

[Long-term curative effects of suture plus proximal gastric vagotomy or triad-therapy for duodenal ulcer with acute perforation]

OBJECTIVE

To study the long-term curative effects of suture plus proximal gastric vagotomy (PGV) and suture plus triad-therapy (omeprazole, amoxycillin and flagyl taken orally) for the treatment of duodenal ulcer with acute perforation.

METHODS

Three hundred and twenty-nine patients with duodenal ulcer and acute perforation were treated with 2 different methods, respectively. Method A was suture plus PGV (group A, 153 cases), and method B was suture plus triad-therapy (group B, 176 cases). Follow-up was made by means of correspondence, outpatient reexamination and cooperation with local hospitals in 5 to 8 years after operation. The contents of follow-up included symptom acquisition (such as upper abdominal pain or distention, pyrosis, belch, acid regurgitation, vomiting, diarrhea and conditions of living or working), gastroscopy and Helicobacter pylori (HP) detection. The curative effects were evaluated by the Visick scale.

RESULTS

Three hundred and one patients were followed up (group A 142 and group B 159). According to the Visick scale, 97 (68.3%), 19 (13.4%), 13 (9.15%) and 13 (9.15%) patients in group A, and 31 (19.5%), 28 (17.6%), 24 (15.1%) and 76 (47.8%) in group B were classified as Visick I, II, III and IV respectively (Z = -9.818, P < 0.01). As for HP detection, there were 130 (91.5%) patients in group A and 94 (59.1%) in group B (chi(2) = 41.438, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term curative effects of suture plus PGV were superior to those of suture plus triad-therapy for duodenal ulcer with acute perforation although HP positive rate was higher in group A than in group B. HP infection is one of the etiological factors of duodenal ulcer. The increased excitability of the vagus nerve remains to play an important role in duodenal ulcer.

Impact of ranitidine on prognosis after simple closure of perforated duodenal ulcer

AIM

This randomized controlled study was carried out to evaluate the role of H2 receptor antagonists after simple closure of perforated duodenal ulcer.

METHODS

A total of 192 patients who underwent simple closure for perforated duodenal ulcer were divided into two groups (A: study group and B: control group). Group A patients were treated with H2 receptor antagonists, while the patients in group B received placebo. Only 174 patients were available for endoscopic follow up.

RESULTS

At the end of 24 weeks, only 6 patients out of 90 (6.6%) in group A as compared to 18 patients out of 84 (21.4%) in group B had persistent symptoms of ulcer disease as well as endoscopically proven ulcer (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that H2 receptor antagonists have a definite role and endoscopic follow up is mandatory to define those cases who actually need definitive surgery.

[Conservative treatment of gastroduodenal peptic ulcer perforations: indications and results]

Surgery is the conventional form of treatment for perforated peptic ulcer. Conservative treatment has however been described, and is still used in rare situations. The present study analyzes the indications and results of conservative therapy in our hospital. Between 1978 and 1995, 332 patients were admitted for perforated peptic ulcer. Twelve (3.5%), with a mean age of 85 (67-93) years, underwent conservative treatment (gastric suction, H2-blockers and broad-spectrum antibiotics). The diagnosis was established on the basis of epigastric pain and the finding of a pleuriperitoneum on the plain film of the abdomen. The indication for conservative treatment was a prohibitive anesthesiological risk in 11 patients and absence of peritoneal sign in one. The evolution was favourable only in 4 patients, who were discharged after a median stay of 18 days. Mortality was 8/12 patients. In one of these, autopsy showed ischemic colonic perforation. Conservative treatment of perforated peptic ulcer is associated with very high mortality. The results suggest that frequent and careful clinical monitoring is essential during the first 24 hours. In the event of deterioration, surgery must be reconsidered. In addition, the diagnosis should be confirmed by ruling out perforation of another abdominal organ.

Simple closure and follow up H2 receptor antagonists for perforated peptic ulcer--immediate survival and symptomatic outcome

There is controversy over the optimum treatment of perforated peptic ulcer. Non-operative management is associated with a high incidence of subsequent operation while immediate definitive surgery is associated with a high initial peri-operative mortality. We have a policy of simple closure and follow up H2-receptor antagonists. This study reviews 100 consecutive patients to identify immediate survival and subsequent symptomatic results of this surgical policy. The mean age was 49 years with 24 patients over 70 years. Sixteen were taking H2-receptor antagonists and 20 taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on admission. Simple closure was performed in 94 and six had definitive surgery as their first procedure. The 30 day mortality was 6% (1% for < 70 yrs n = 76, 20% for > 70 yrs n = 24). Complete follow up was achieved in 90%, (range 2-80 months). Seventy-four percent were asymptomatic, 13% intermittently symptomatic and 7% had continuous symptoms. Only five patients (6%) required subsequent definitive surgery. The policy of simple closure and follow up H2 receptor antagonists for perforated peptic ulcer is safe and effective in the long term.

[Lipopolysaccharide-induced cellular immunity response and effect of herbal purgation method in intra-abdominal infection]

The alterations of cytokines (TNF,PGE2), plasma lipopolysaccharide and their prognostic influences in 58 patients with intra-abdominal infection were observed with ELISA and RIA. The effect on physiopathologic process with herbal purgation method was explored. The results showed that as the level of plasma LPS raised the serum TNF, plasma PGE2 elevated obviously and the cellular immunity inhibited elevated in treatment and control groups. There was a linear positive correlation between the plasma LPS and the serum TNF in control group. Between the plasma PGE2 and CD4 lymphocytes of peripheral blood, it existed a linear negative correlation in treatment group. After two treatment courses, the recovery of abnormal indexes in treatment group was earlier than that in control group accompanied by escalation of lessened toxicity rate of LPS, more rapid in reducing the level and detectable rate of serum TNF, and the lowering of complication rate successively and the inhibition of cellular immunity tended to be relieved in treatment group.

Effect of H2 antagonists on outcome of simple closure for perforated duodenal ulcer

The treatment of perforated duodenal ulcer is controversial. Since the advent of H2 antagonists, the number of ulcer operations has declined tremendously. We wanted to find out if the addition of a H2 antagonist after simple closure of a perforated duodenal ulcer would change the outcome and therefore reviewed 46 patients treated in this fashion. Our results show that this is a safe and effective way of treating patients with perforated duodenal ulcer.

Do perforated duodenal ulcers need an acid-decreasing surgical procedure now that omeprazole is available?

If a chronic duodenal ulcer perforates, the choice of operation will depend on the patient's condition. Preoperative shock, concurrent medical diseases, severe generalized peritonitis, or the presence of an intra-abdominal abscess are contraindications to a definitive ulcer operation; hence, simple closure or omental patch closure is performed. Omeprazole can then be used to heal the ulcer in the early postoperative period, with long-term H2-blocker therapy to follow. The patient without a contraindication to a definitive operation should have a proximal gastric vagotomy in addition to an omental patch closure of the perforation. The addition of this procedure does not change the operative mortality rate in properly selected patients, does not cause the gastrointestinal sequelae associated with truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty or resection, and has a low rate of recurrent ulcer in experienced hands. The presence of a synchronous posterior "kissing" duodenal ulcer would prompt some to choose a vagotomy and pyloroplasty in preference to a proximal gastric vagotomy. The appropriate operation to perform after perforation of an acute duodenal ulcer in a patient with any of the contraindications listed above is simple closure or omental patch closure. In the stable nonseptic patient, the choice is not as clear. Boey and associates noted cumulative recurrent ulcer rates of 37% and 31% at 3 years in separate studies in which omental patch closure was used for perforated acute duodenal ulcers. This may reflect the asymptomatic nature of chronic duodenal ulcers in some patients prior to perforation, the failure of the surgeon to recognize the extent of periduodenal scarring at operation, or differences in the length of postperforation follow-up in series reporting perforations of acute or chronic ulcers. Jordan has suggested that all stable patients with perforated duodenal ulcers should undergo a proximal gastric vagotomy in addition to omental patch closure. In his hands, the addition of proximal gastric vagotomy has an operative mortality rate of 0 to 1%, a recurrent ulcer rate of 3% to 5%, and no adverse postoperative sequelae. He has noted that "this operation gives protection from further ulcer disease to those who need it and will produce no harm to the unidentifiable patients that might not have benefited from definitive surgery." Boey and Wong suggested that omental patch closure is indicated for "acute ulcers associated with drug ingestion or acute stress" in addition to those that occur in patients who are considered to be poor risk, while proximal gastric vagotomy should be added in the remaining patients with perforations of acute ulcers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Ulcer complications in the county of Funen during 1980-1990. Are there any changes in the frequency of hospitalization following the release of potent ulcer drugs for over-the-counter sale?]

With the object of investigating whether the release of H2-blockers and sucralfate for over-the-counter sale in 1989 in Denmark and the simultaneous discontinuation of the general subsidy for potent ulcer medicine have had any influence on the frequency of hospitalisation for ulcer complications, the number of these were investigated in the County of Funen during a nine-year period prior to these alterations. The number of hospitalisations on account of ulcer complications during the first year after the alterations and thereafter were assessed on the basis of the prior tendency. In addition, the characteristics of the patients were assessed by a retrospective review of the case reports for the one-year periods before and after the alterations in the dispensing rules. The number of hospitalisations on account of ulcer complications in the County of Funen rose by 45% during the period 1.4.1980-31.3.1989. No increases in the number of hospitalisations after the alterations could be demonstrated. The number of patients admitted to Odense Hospital with ulcer complications and their characteristics are, similarly, unchanged after the alterations. Three case histories are, however, registered in which the alterations may have influenced the development of the ulcer complications. There appear to be good ground to continue registration of ulcer complications with the object of investigating the long-term consequences of these alterations particularly if potent ulcer medicine is used to a greater extent as over-the-counter medicine.

A bacteriological study of perforated duodenal ulcers

Peritoneal fluid sampling and bacteriological examination were performed in 63 patients with perforated duodenal ulcers, and the results compared with those in 175 patients with other perforations. Bacterial culture was positive in 100 per cent of the patients whose perforations occurred in the colon, whereas it was positive in only 44.4 per cent of those with duodenal perforations, being negative in many cases when the interval from perforation to surgery was short. A mixed contamination with both aerobes and anaerobes was usually found in the cases of lower digestive tract perforation, and the isolates from duodenal perforations were uniquely aerobes in most cases. It is suggested that bacteria play a minor role in the pathogenesis of early stage duodenal perforation, which supports the technique of primary closure without indwelling drainage tubes during early stage operations following sufficient peritoneal lavage. Moreover, if the stomach is empty at the time of perforation and the peritonitis is localized, even conservative therapy seems possible, provided it is begun shortly after the perforation.

Changing pattern of admissions and operations for duodenal ulcer

The admission rates for duodenal ulcer (DU) and the effect of H2-receptor antagonists (H2RA), introduced in the Trent Region of the UK in 1977, were examined. The admission rates are expressed per 10(6) of resident population. The use of H2RA has risen 3.7-fold (from 1978 to 1983), yet overall admission rates for perforation have changed little: 99 in 1972-76 (pre-H2RA period) compared with 103 in 1977-84 (H2RA period). Admission rates for haemorrhage have risen by 8 per cent, from 130 to 140 (P less than 0.01). However, the overall rates conceal large increases (P less than 0.01) in the admission rates for those aged greater than or equal to 65 years, of 33 per cent (from 264 to 352) for perforation and of 28 per cent (from 381 to 489) for haemorrhage. Emergency admissions for uncomplicated DU were unchanged: 88 in 1972-76 and 89 in 1977-84. However, the proportions operated on fell by 58 per cent (P less than 0.01), from 30 per cent of admissions in the pre-H2RA period compared with only 12 per cent in the H2RA period. Waiting-list admissions for uncomplicated DU fell by 43 per cent, from 187 to 106 (P less than 0.01), and the proportions operated on fell from 162 to 76; the combined effect resulted in a reduction of 53 per cent in the operation rates (P less than 0.01). In Rotherham, the use of H2RA has risen 6.2-fold (from 1978 to 1983) and they were generally used intermittently in 1976-78 and later for maintenance therapy and high-dose treatment. Yet admissions for perforation and for haemorrhage were unchanged. Emergency admissions for uncomplicated DU rose by 40 per cent, from 130 in 1972-75 to 182 in 1976-84, but the proportions operated on fell markedly, from 20 to 6 per cent (P less than 0.01); waiting-list admissions fell in 1976-78 by 29 per cent and in 1979-84 by 73 per cent. The proportions operated on in the three periods fell from 74 to 53 per cent and 25 per cent respectively and these two factors led to decreases in elective surgery of 50 per cent in 1976-78 and 91 per cent in 1979-84 (P less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Surgeons' attitudes to the operative management of duodenal ulcer perforation and haemorrhage

The currently preferred operative management of duodenal ulcer haemorrhage and perforation was assessed by means of a questionnaire sent to 274 consultant general surgeons in England. A 70% response rate was achieved. Simple closure, with or without H2 antagonist treatment, was the most popular management of a perforated acute duodenal ulcer. For perforation of a chronic duodenal ulcer occurring during H2 antagonist therapy, truncal vagotomy and drainage was the definitive procedure of choice. There was no consensus about the operative management of perforation complicating non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment in the elderly patient. Proximal gastric vagotomy appears to have few advocates in the definitive management of either duodenal ulcer perforation or haemorrhage. Of our sample 70% selected truncal vagotomy and drainage with underrunning of the ulcer as the operative treatment of choice for bleeding. Endoscopic coagulation appears to be used only rarely.

Endoscopic follow-up of the perforated duodenal ulcer

Since the introduction of cimetidine, multiple studies have documented that H2 antagonists will heal over 95 per cent of duodenal ulcers with 6 to 8 weeks of therapy. Despite this overall decline, it has been shown that the rate of complications from duodenal ulcers, specifically perforation, has remained virtually unchanged. A retrospective look at the perforated duodenal ulcers admitted to the Medical College of Georgia between 1978 and 1984 revealed a total of 45 patients with 39 survivors. Eighty per cent of the 39 underwent follow-up endoscopy in a period of 4 to 12 weeks after perforation. Twenty-six of these patients had been treated with omental patch and an average of 7.5 weeks of cimetidine. Sixty-five per cent of those treated with omental patch and cimetidine continued to have active ulcer disease on endoscopic follow-up. Twenty-three per cent were asymptomatic despite active disease. Perforation appears to represent the severest form in the spectrum of duodenal ulcer disease. H2 antagonists have been shown to heal over 90 per cent of duodenal ulcers with 8 weeks of therapy. This study reveals them to be less effective with the perforated ulcer. It is recommended that patients treated with omental patch and cimetidine be followed closely with endoscopy and be considered for longer medical therapy.

Duodenal ulcer perforation: the effect of H2 antagonists?

One hundred and two patients with perforated duodenal ulcers over a 13 year period (1970 to 1982) have been prospectively followed-up at a special gastric clinic. Of the 37 patients with perforation of their acute ulcer, 34 were treated by oversew and three had an initial definitive operation (vagotomy and drainage). The remaining 65 patients presented with perforation of a chronic ulcer and 54 were treated by oversew and 11 underwent definitive surgery--nine had vagotomy and drainage and two had partial gastrectomies. Seven of the 34 patients (20.5%) with acute ulcer perforation treated by simple oversew subsequently required definitive ulcer surgery at a mean 17.5 months after perforation and 31 of the 54 patients (57.4%) with chronic ulcer perforations required definitive surgery at a mean 27.4 months after perforation. The introduction of H2 antagonists in 1977 did not alter the re-operation rate in patients with chronic ulcer perforation managed by oversew. Results of this study provide further evidence in favour of treating patients with perforation of their chronic duodenal ulcer by definitive surgery whenever possible.

Cimetidine and perforated peptic ulcer

Cimetidine is thought to have accelerated the reduction in elective peptic ulcer surgery but its effect on the incidence of perforated peptic ulcer has not been reported. A 15-year (1966-1980) review of peptic ulcer surgery in a district general hospital is presented. Since cimetidine became available (November 1976), the mean annual number of elective operations has fallen from 91.4 to 50.5 (45 per cent reduction). The number of perforations has fallen from 40.6 to 36.5 (10 per cent reduction). One hundred and five patients treated for perforation (97 duodenal, 8 gastric) from 1978 to 1980 were reviewed in detail. Of the 64 patients with a chronic ulcer, 8 were taking cimetidine when their ulcers perforated and a further 8 had been on the drug previously. Cimetidine has substantially reduced elective peptic ulcer surgery. There appears to have been no equivalent reduction in the incidence of perforation.

[Treatment of perforated duodenal ulcers (author's transl)]

No single therapeutic procedure exists for the treatment of perforated duodenal ulcers, and a marked degree of bias is found in published results. These studies are analysed, and a therapeutic schedule proposed which takes into account the chronicity of the ulcer lesion before perforation, the open or covered nature of the ulcer as shown by radiographic examination with a water-soluble medium, and the general condition of the patient.

Antacid control of complications from acute gastroduodenal disease after burns

To determine the effectiveness of hydrogen ion neutralization in preventing the clinical complications (hemmorrhage and perforation) of acute gastroduodenal disease after thermal injury, 48 patients with burns of greater than 35% total body surface were evaluated within 72 hours after injury. In a prospective, randomized fashion, patients were chosen to receive antacid or no-antacid therapy. An established lithiumflux technique was utilized to determine the integrity of the gastric mucosal barrier (GMB) before group selection. Only one of the 24 patients receiving antacid developed significant upper gastrointestinal bleeding; however, seven of 24 patients receiving no antacid experienced hemorrhage and gastric ulcer perforation (p less than 0.02). None of seven patients with GMB disruption who received antacid developed a clinical complication; however, six of 15 patients with GMB disruption receiving no antacid experienced clinical complications (p less than 0.05). Neutralization of gastric acid offers protection against the development of clinically significant ulcer complications in the burn patient.