Emergency surgery for the complications of peptic ulcer in the elderly

An analysis of 37 patients over the age of 65 years who underwent emergency surgery for complications of peptic ulcer is presented. A major predisposing factor to these complications was the use of ulcerogenic drugs that were prescribed for chronic musculo-skeletal ailments. The overall mortality was 23.5%, and was mainly related to pre-existing cardio-pulmonary disease.