Perforated duodenal ulcer: Emerging pattern

Background: A total of 27 patients of perforated duodenal ulcer admitted in our institution between December 2010 and November 2012 were treated and studied. Materials and Methods: All patients were diagnosed on the basis of clinical and radiological findings, exploratory laparotomy was performed and simple closure of perforation with placement of Graham′s omental patch was carried out. This was followed by triple regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Results: All patients were male, maximum incidence (61.54%) was noted in the age group of 21-30, ′O′ +ve blood group was most commonly observed in our patients. Eight patients had history suggestive of acute acid peptic disease. Mean time interval between the start of symptoms and surgery was 43 h. No morbidity except minimal pleural effusion was seen in one case. There was no mortality in our series. Conclusion: We conclude that although a number of definitive surgeries have been described for acid peptic disease, but the requirement of such procedures has come down due to increasing use of H. pylori eradication therapy and proton pump inhibitors. However, surgery for complications especially for duodenal ulcer perforation has not reduced concomitantly. Incidence is greater in young males