The Application of Laparoscopic Techniques in Treating Perforated Duodenal Ulcers, With an Emphasis on Efficacy, Safety, and Postoperative Results

Background:

Perforation is a pries that develops in 4—15% of cases of duodenal ulcers, usually on the anterior aspect of the duodenal bulb.

Aim:

The present study is designed to analyze the role of laparoscopic procedures in the treatment of patients with perforated duodenal ulcers. Additionally, it is designed to assess the patient's general health and quality of life post-laparoscopy.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was designed on 70 patients with perforated duodenal ulcers aged 32–48 years. All patients underwent endoscopic treatment at different hospitals in Iraq during the follow-up period, which began in April 2023 and lasted until April 2024. Demographic characteristics and intra- and postoperative outcomes, including time spent, mortality, complications, satisfaction, and pain, were recorded. Postoperative quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire.

Results:

Our study enrolled the surgical data of 70 patients. Males got 80%, obesity with 50%, smokers included 42.86%, alcohol consumers have 12.86%, common symptoms and causes were severe abdominal pain with 72.86%, and pylori infection was 67.14%. According to laparoscopic procedure outcomes, operation time was 116.80 ± 14.95 minutes; pneumoperitoneum pressure was 12.55 ± 2.19 mmHg; length of hospital stays < 5 days have 94.29%, only one case had dead; time to the first bowel movement was 47.81 ± 9.02 hours, excellent satisfied with 77.14%, and post-operative complications had 11.43%, where abdominal abscess, pneumonia, and bowel obstruction had 2 cases for each factor. In the evaluation of the SF-36 questionnaire, we found physical functioning (86.14 ± 6.02) and psychological functioning (84.11 ± 2.89).

Conclusion:

Laparoscopy for perforated duodenal ulcers is safe and effective, decreasing complications and improvement of general health and quality of life.