Perforated Peptic Ulcer Repair: Factors Predicting Conversion in Laparoscopy and Postoperative Septic Complications.
The surgical treatment for perforated peptic ulcers can be safely performed laparoscopically. The aim of the study was to define simple predictive factors for conversion and septic complications.



This retrospective case-control study analyzed patients treated with either laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy for perforated peptic ulcers.



A total of 71 patients were analyzed. Laparoscopically operated patients had a shorter hospital stay (13.7 vs. 15.1 days). In an intention-to-treat analysis, patients with conversion to open surgery (analyzed as subgroup from laparoscopic approach group) showed no prolonged hospital stay (15.3 days) compared to patients with a primary open approach. Complication and mortality rates were not different between the groups. The statistical analysis identified four intraoperative risk factors for conversion: Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) > 21 (p = 0.02), generalized peritonitis (p = 0.04), adhesions, and perforations located in a region other than the duodenal anterior wall. We found seven predictive factors for septic complications: age >70 (p = 0.02), cardiopulmonary disease (p = 0.04), ASA > 3 (p = 0.002), CRP > 100 (p = 0.005), duration of symptoms >24 h (p = 0.02), MPI > 21(p = 0.008), and generalized peritonitis (p = 0.02).



Our data suggest that a primary laparoscopic approach has no disadvantages. Factors necessitating conversions emerged during the procedure inhibiting a preoperative selection. Factors suggesting imminent septic complications can be assessed preoperatively. An assessment of the proposed parameters may help optimize the management of possible septic complications.
Department of Surgery, Cantonal Hospital of Frauenfeld, 8500, Frauenfeld, Switzerland. markus.k.mueller@stgag.ch.
Markus K
MK
Muller
Department of Surgery, Cantonal Hospital of Frauenfeld, 8500, Frauenfeld, Switzerland.
Simon
S
Wrann
Department of Surgery, Cantonal Hospital of Frauenfeld, 8500, Frauenfeld, Switzerland.
Jeannette
J
Widmer
Department of Surgery, Cantonal Hospital of Frauenfeld, 8500, Frauenfeld, Switzerland.
Jennifer
J
Klasen
Department of Surgery, Central City Hospital Triemli of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Markus
M
Weber
Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Dieter
D
Hahnloser
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D061887:Conversion to Open Surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010439:Peptic Ulcer Perforation / Q000601:surgery*; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000150:complications; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000150:complications; D055815:Young Adult
D002097:C-Reactive Protein