Perforated gastroduodenal ulcers: perioperative prognosis and prevention of complications

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Objective. To improve the effectiveness of treatment for patients with perforated gastroduodenal ulcers (PGDU) by developing criteria for predicting postoperative complications and mortality. Materials and methods. The treatment outcomes of 127 patients with PGDU were analyzed. Prognostic scales ASA, SOFA, Peptic Ulcer Perforation Score (PULP), and the Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) were used for the assessment in all the patients. Specialized classifications (DEP and ulcer defect classes) developed at Sklifosovsky Research Institute For Emergency Medicine were employed to determine the surgical approach and the extent of surgical intervention. Results. Duodenal ulcers were observed in 97(76.4 %) patients, gastric ulcers in 28(22.0 %), and combined ulcers in 2(1.6 %). According to the clinical form, chronic ulcers were identified in 81 (63.8 %) patients, while acute ones were detected in 46(36.2 %) patients. Helicobacter pylori infection was revealed in all patients with chronic ulcers. The majority of patients sought medical care within the first 6 hours after perforation (53 patients, 41.7 %); from 6 to 12 hours – 24 patients (18.9 %), 12–24 hours – 17 patients (13.4 %), and in more than 24 hours – 33 patients (26.0 %). Fatal outcome occurred in 45 (35.4 %) patients, while 82 (64.4 %) patients were discharged after the recovery had been observed. The mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with MPI grades 2 and 3, in those with an initially high risk according to the PULP scale, and those who were hospitalized more than 24 hours after perforation. Indications for laparoscopic ulcer suturing were proposed based on the scales used. Conclusions. The risk factors for adverse outcomes in PGDU include the following criteria: surgery performed more than 24 hours after perforation, MPI 2-3 grades, and a PULP scale score more than 8. In patients with PGDU who are at high surgical-anesthetic risk and have a complicated comorbid background, the risk of sepsis development is more than 30 %. Laparoscopic techniques for suturing PGDU are preferable when performed within 6 hours of perforation, with a PULP score not more than 7, MPI grade 1, and DEP classification scores less than 9, specifically in IIC, IIIC, IVA, IVB, and IVC ulcer defect classes.