[Perforation of a giant duodenal ulcer]

The results of operative treatment of 20 patients with a perforated giant duodenal ulcer have been analysed. The difficulties associated with closure of a perforated hole and duodenal stump management in performance of gastric resection were noted. It was established that closure of a giant perforated duodenal ulcer was a palliative measure, which saved the patients from death but entailed the disease recurrence requiring reoperation.