Septic complications of perforated peptic ulcer

Insights

Septic complications following peptic ulcer perforation are a significant risk, especially with delayed treatment. Early surgical intervention and routine peritoneal fluid cultures are crucial for managing intra-abdominal sepsis.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Infections

Background:

  • Peptic ulcer perforation is often associated with minimal septic risk due to sparse upper GI microflora.
  • Limited literature adequately describes the septic complications of peptic ulcer perforation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the incidence and types of septic complications following peptic ulcer perforation.
  • To identify risk factors associated with postoperative sepsis in these patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 182 peptic ulcer perforations (150 duodenal, 32 gastric) over 15 years.
  • Analysis of septic complications including intra-abdominal abscess, wound infection, and generalized peritonitis.

Main Results:

  • Septic complications included intra-abdominal abscess (22), wound infection (26), and peritonitis (18).
  • Higher incidence of postoperative abscesses in gastric (32) versus duodenal (150) perforations (p<0.05).
  • Abscesses were more frequent when perforation occurred >24 hours before surgery.

Conclusions:

  • Acute peptic ulcer perforation carries a substantial risk of intra-abdominal sepsis.
  • Routine anaerobic and aerobic cultures of peritoneal fluid during operation are recommended.

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