| Abstract: | This is a retrospective analysis of 99 patients with perforated peptic ulcer treated in the Department of Surgery at the J. G. Strijdom Hospital over a 6-year period. The incidence of this condition is increasing in our population. The mortality rate for perforated peptic ulcer remains high (12.1%). Forty-three per cent of our patients were suffering from a major medical illness at the time of perforation, with a mortality rate of 25.6%. The mortality rate for relatively fit patients was 1.8%. While more conservative surgery is indicated for high-risk patients, a definitive ulcer operation can be performed safely in patients who are not suffering from a major medical illness. Our selective operative policy is discussed. |
