Perforated peptic ulcer: How to improve outcome?

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Despite the introduction of histamine H(2)-receptor antagonists, proton-pump inhibitors and the discovery of Helicobacter pylori, both the incidence of emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer and the mortality rate for patients undergoing surgery for peptic ulcer perforation have increased. This increase has occurred despite improvements in perioperative treatment and monitoring. To improve the outcome of these patients, it is necessary to investigate the reasons behind this high mortality rate. In this review we evaluate the existing evidence in order to identify significant risk factors with an emphasis on risks that are preventable. A systematic review including randomized studies was carried out. There are a limited number of studies of patients with peptic ulcer perforation. Most of these studies are of low evidential status. Only a few randomized, controlled trials have been published. The mortality rate and the extent of postoperative complications are fairly high but the reasons for this have not been thoroughly explained, even though a number of risk factors have been identified. Some of these risk factors can be explained by the septic state of the patient on admission. In order to improve the outcome of patients with peptic ulcer perforation, sepsis needs to be factored into the existing knowledge and treatment
Udgivelsesdato: 2008/8/27
Original languageEnglish
JournalScandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume44
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)15-22
Number of pages8
ISSN0036-5521
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008

Bibliographical note

Keywords: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Clinical Trials as Topic; Denmark; Duodenal Ulcer; Evidence-Based Medicine; Gastrectomy; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Incidence; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Peptic Ulcer Perforation; Prevalence; Proton Pumps; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Smoking; Stomach Ulcer; Survival Rate

ID: 13714715