Laparoscopic and open operation in patients with perforated peptic ulcer

Objectives: To compare the results of laparoscopic and open operations in patients with perforated peptic ulcer. Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: Central hospital, Norway Subjects: 74 patients (36 men, 38 women, median age 69.5 years (18–86)) admitted with perforated peptic ulcers from November 1991‐May 1996. Interventions: Suture of the ulcer, patching with the greater omentum and lavage, in 49 by open operation and 25 laparoscopically. Main outcome measures: Duration of postoperative hospital stay, operating time, number of doses of analgesic, postoperative body temperature, complications, and mortality. Results: There was a significant difference (p = 0.0001) in median operating time: 100 minutes (range 48–160) in the laparoscopic group and 50 minutes (range 20–160) in the open group. The median hospital stay was 8 days in both groups: range 3–23 days in the laparoscopic group and 2–28 days in the open group. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to median number of doses of analgesic, median body temperature, complications or mortality. Conclusion: Laparoscopic operation for perforated peptic ulcer can be considered as safe as open operation. Copyright © 1999 Taylor and Francis Ltd.