Abstract
Background Peptic ulcer perforation is a common cause of emergency admission and surgery. This is the first study that documents the presentation and outcome of management in Irrua, Nigeria. Patients and Method This is a prospective study of all patients operated on for perforated peptic ulcer between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2015. A structured questionnaire containing patients' demographics, operation findings, and outcome was filled upon discharge or death. Results There were 104 patients. 81 males and 23 females (M : F = 3.5 : 1). The age range was between 17 years and 95 years. The mean age was 48.99 years ± SD 16.1 years. The ratio of gastric to duodenal perforation was 1.88 : 1. Perforation was the first sign of peptic ulcer disease in 62 (59.6%). Pneumoperitoneum was detectable with plain radiographs in 95 (91%) patients. 72 (69.2%) had Graham's Omentopexy. Death rate was 17.3%. Conclusion We note that gastric perforation is a far commoner disease in our environment. Perforation is often the first sign of peptic ulcer disease. We identify fasting amongst Christians as a risk factor for perforation.
Highlights
Peptic ulcer perforation is a life threatening complication of peptic ulcer disease occurring in about 2–14% of cases of peptic ulcer disease [1, 2]
A total of one hundred and six patients were operated on for gastroduodenal perforations. This gives an average of almost twenty-one cases annually. This figure is slightly higher in incidence than those described in Enugu Nigeria and some Eastern and Southern African series [27,28,29]
We find that peptic ulcer perforation is predominantly a male affliction as males outnumbered females by a ratio of 3.5 to 1
Summary
Peptic ulcer perforation is a common cause of emergency admission and surgery. This is the first study that documents the presentation and outcome of management in Irrua, Nigeria. This is a prospective study of all patients operated on for perforated peptic ulcer between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2015. The age range was between 17 years and 95 years. The mean age was 48.99 years ± SD 16.1 years. Pneumoperitoneum was detectable with plain radiographs in 95 (91%) patients. We note that gastric perforation is a far commoner disease in our environment. Perforation is often the first sign of peptic ulcer disease. We identify fasting amongst Christians as a risk factor for perforation
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