Laparoscopic and conventional closure of perforated peptic ulcer

Background: After the first successful laparoscopic closure of a perforated peptic ulcer in 1990, 18 patients with laparoscopic closure were compared to 16 patients with conventional surgery. Methods: The endpoint adverse events (complications), pain intensity, operation time, fever, leucocytosis, and duration of hospital stay showed no clinically relevant differences. Results: Consumption of analgesics was lower in the laparoscopic group. Conclusions: Laparoscopic closure of perforated peptic ulcer is technically feasible. The safety of the method and the benefit for the patient need proof by means of a randomized controlled trial.