A Review on Treatment of Perforated Peptic Ulcer by Minimally Invasive Techniques

Peptic ulcers are caused by acid peptic damage to the mucosal layer in the gastro-duodenal area of the gut, which results in mucosal erosion that exposes the underlying tissues to the digestive action of gastro-duodenal secretions. This pathology was traditionally related to a hypersecretory acid environment, dietary factors and stress. There are other causes of ulcers such as Helicobacter pylori infection, excessive use of NSAIDs, and smoke and alcohol abuse. Perforation and bleeding are two major complications of the disease. A typical symptom of perforated peptic ulcers (PPU) is a sudden onset of abdominal pain or acute deterioration of the ongoing abdominal pain. Perforated peptic ulcer can be diagnosed by a simple X-ray and CT scan of the abdomen. Laboratory tests are also run to rule out differential diagnosis. Although there are several choices for surgical intervention, minimally invasive techniques have been taking over as a frequent option in feasible cases. Techniques like laparoscopy have been surfacing because of their advantages. But the efficiency of minimally invasive techniques compared to conventional approach is yet to be defined. Hence, the present review of the literature aims to describe and delineate the current perspective on PPU management by minimally invasive and low risk techniques.