ACUTE PERFORATION OF DUODENAL AND GASTRIC ULCER. FACTORS INFLUENCING MORTALITY.

Abstract

Factors contributing to mortality in a consecutive series of 147 cases of perforated gastric and duodenal ulcer have been evaluated. It is felt that the lessons derived from this study will decrease morbidity and mortality in this disease. The records of all cases of perforated gastric and duodenal ulcer operated upon or recognized at autopsy during the years 1948 through 1961 on the medical and surgical services of the University of Oregon Medical School hospitals and clinics were reviewed. There were 103 males and 44females. Surgical treatment was undertaken in 121 cases. In 26 instances, the condition was first recognized at autopsy. In 36 cases, the perforation occurred while the patient was hospitalized for another major medical illness (Table 1). For convenience and pertinence of discussion, the cases have been divided into three groups: (1) patients in whom recovery followed a surgical operation, (2) patients who died after operation,