Long-term results after omental patch repair in patients with perforated duodenal ulcers: a 5- to 10-year follow-up study

Ninety-two patients with perforated duodenal ulcers were treated at two hospitals in St. John's. Five patients were managed conservatively, and the remainder received omental patch closure. All were prescribed histamine receptor antagonists. No patient had a definitive ulcer operation. Seventy-five patients were followed up for 5 to 10 years. Fourteen patients who had been taking ulcerogenic medications had a low recurrence rate (7%); the other 61 patients who had not been taking ulcerogenic medications had a high recurrence rate (77%). Use of an omental patch is effective treatment for perforated duodenal ulcers and provides long-term benefit for patients whose perforations are associated with ulcerogenic medications. Selected patients who have not been taking ulcerogenic medication are better treated by definitive ulcer surgery at the time of perforation.