Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Longitudinal Incision for Endoscopic Submucosal Excavation of Gastric Subepithelial Lesions
Published on: April 28, 2026
Risk factors of morbidity and mortality in patients with perforated peptic ulcer
1Department of Surgery, Vakif Gureba Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. gurhanbas@yahoo.com
Insights
Advanced age and delayed treatment significantly increase the risk of complications and mortality in patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU). Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Peptic ulcer perforation (PPU) presents a significant clinical challenge.
- High rates of morbidity and mortality are associated with PPU.
- Identifying peri-operative risk factors is essential for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate complications in patients with PPU.
- To identify risk factors associated with peri-operative morbidity and mortality in PPU patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective clinical study involving 97 patients hospitalized for PPU.
- Data collected included patient demographics, co-morbidities, and treatment details.
- Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify significant risk factors.
Main Results:
- The overall morbidity rate was 15.5% and the mortality rate was 5.2%.
- Advanced age and delayed admission were significantly linked to increased morbidity (p < 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively).
- Mortality showed a trend towards association with advanced age, therapeutic delay, and co-morbidities.
Conclusions:
- Patient age and therapeutic delay are key predictors of outcomes following PPU surgery.
- Minimizing diagnostic and treatment delays, particularly in elderly patients, can reduce morbidity and mortality.
- Effective management of co-existing medical conditions is vital for improving PPU patient care.
Purpose:
Peptic ulcer perforation is a serious problem that leads to high complication and mortality rates. The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate complications and possible risk factors for peri-operative morbidity and mortality in patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU).
Material And Methods:
Ninety-seven patients hospitalized for PPU at the Department of Surgery, Vakif Gureba Training and Research Hospital, between March 1998 and December 2004 were analysed.
Results:
The mean age of patients was 38.6 years. Ten patients had 19 co-morbidities. The mean hospitalisation time was 7.1 days. Twenty-one complications in 15 patients occurred. Overall morbidity and mortality rates were 15.5% and 5.2% respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of 97 patients revealed that age (p < 0.006) and late admission (p < 0.001) were linked to morbidity. The mortality rate tended to be associated with advanced age, therapeutic delay and co-morbidities.
Conclusions:
Increased patients' age and the therapeutic delay, predicted outcome after surgical treatment of PPU. Morbidity and mortality could be reduced by avoiding delays in diagnosis and treatment, especially in older patients, and by instituting proper treatment of any coexisting medical illness.
Related Concept Videos
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Complications
Peptic Ulcer
Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
Damaging agents such as Helicobacter pylori, gastric acid, pepsin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can weaken the mucosal defense, allowing hydrogen ions to infiltrate back and harm epithelial cells.