Perforated peptic ulcer: laparoscopic approach.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the suitability of a laparoscopic approach for treatment of perforated peptic ulcer.


METHODS
Retrospective non-randomised study.


METHODS
District Community Hospital.


METHODS
30 patients who presented with perforated peptic ulcers between November 1992 and October 1997


METHODS
16 patients were operated on laparoscopically, and 14 by open operation (as there was no surgeon available with laparoscopic experience).


METHODS
Morbidity and mortality.


RESULTS
The laparoscopic operation was successful in all but one patient, whose operation was converted to an open procedure because we could not see the ulcer adequately. Duration of operation and postoperative nasogastric aspiration, analgesic requirements, hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality were similar in the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic repair of a perforated peptic ulcer is safe in selected patients in whom a laparotomy should be avoided.
Michelet
I
I
Department of Surgery, Ospedale Civile, Vittorio Veneto (TV), Italy.
Agresta
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010439:Peptic Ulcer Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*