Laparoscopic Surgery for Perforated Duodenal Ulcer

Abstract

Perforation of an ulcer of the first part of the duodenum is not an infrequent surgical emergency. The escape of gastric contents, bile and pancreatic secretions into the peritoneal cavity usually results in peritonitis requiring emergency surgical toilet and closure of the perforation. In selected patients, with radiological evidence of sealed perforation, conservative treatment by nasogastric drainage, intravenous fluids, antibiotics and repeated careful observation may be indicated, especially in high-risk patients.