Modification of the modified Graham patch repair for duodenal perforation using the gastrocolic ligament: Two case...

Gastroduodenal perforations are relatively common surgical emergencies with mortality rates as high as 40%. The Graham patch repair is one surgical approach but may need to be modified when the patient lacks viable omentum. The gastrocolic ligament can be utilized to repair these perforations for coverage.

Case 1: A 77-year-old female with a complex history presented with severe abdominal pain and was found to have pneumoperitoneum on CT scan. She was found to have a first segment duodenal perforation. We employed a modified Graham patch omentopexy utilizing the gastrocolic ligament to repair the defect. She recovered well with no complications. Case 2: A 65-year-old male with multiple myeloma presented with chemotherapy intolerance and diffuse abdominal pain. CT scan demonstrated pneumoperitoneum. Upon surgical exploration, he was noted to have a 1 cm anterior duodenal perforation. He had almost no viable omentum and therefore underwent a modified Graham patch repair using the gastrocolic ligament. He recovered well with no complications.

There have been reports of patients with gastroduodenal perforation with suboptimal omentum who underwent modified repair with the falciform ligament or a jejunal serosal patch repair. The gastrocolic ligament was found to be an effective alternative for our cases. This approach is an attractive one due to its relative ease and effectiveness.

We described the use of the gastrocolic ligament as an alternative approach for gastroduodenal perforation in patients with suboptimal omentum. Further studies are needed to assess long term postoperative outcomes and establish best practices.