Improvement in survival from typhoid ileal perforation. Results of 221 operative cases

Typhoid ileal perforation remains a frequently fatal illness in the developing world. The purpose of a retrospective review of 195 cases was to ascertain prognostic indices and therapeutic options influencing outcome. The overall mortality rate of 31% was worsened by extremes of age (p less than 0.025), generalized peritonitis (p less than 0.025), lower white blood cell count (p less than 0.05), increased number of perforations (p less than 0.005), and postoperative enterocutaneous fistula (p less than 0.005). Double-layer closure of the perforation lowered the mortality rate compared with single-layer closure (p less than 0.01). Broader-spectrum antibiotics, in the form of chloramphenicol with gentamycin, metronidazole, or both, reduced the mortality rate compared with chloramphenicol alone (p less than 0.05). Based on these findings, a prospective series was initiated in which all patients were treated with two-layer closure and chloramphenicol, gentamycin, and metronidazole. The mortality rate of 8% for the 26 patients treated in this manner confirmed the improved survival with these treatment modalities. Improved survival from typhoid perforation is possible with simple, low-cost measures.