Laparoscopic treatment of perforated duodenal ulcer

Objective - The aim of this study was to determine if laparoscopic simple c losure for perforated duodenal ulcer is possible, efficient and safe. Methods - Thirty-five consecutive patients with perforated duodenal ulcer a nd peritonitis were treated by simple closure, peritoneal lavage and omento plasty. This treatment was performed laporo-scopically. Results-Diagnosis was confirmed in all cases. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in two patients due to a technical problem and poor tolerance to pneumoperitoneum respectively. Mean operative time was 120 min. Morbidity a nd mortality rates were 2.8%. Mean hospital stay was 7.8 days. No recurrenc e was Found after eradication of Helicobacter pylori with a long-term follo w-up of 38 months. Conclusion - laparoscopic suture of perforated duodenal ulcer is possible a nd safe. It can avoid laparotomy with septic complications in peritonitis. In emergency there is;no place for radical treatment of ulcer disease becau se of efficiency of medical treatment.