ABSTRACT
Perforation of peptic duodenal ulcer is a frequent surgical emergency. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the faisabiity and the results of laparoscopic management of perforated duodenal ulcers. Eighty-four patients had laparoscopic surgery for perforated duodenal ulcer. The duration of the study was seven years [2001 to 2007]. There were 81 men and 3 women aged from 16 to 64 years [mean: 28 years]. The mean duration between the onset of perforation and the time of operation was 20 hours [range: 6-72 hours]. The surgical procedure was suture and irrigation of the abdominal cavity. Conversion into laparotomy was performed in 14.2%of the patients. Mean operative time was 95 minutes. There was no post operative death. The morbidity rate was 15.4%. There was two surgical complications [post operative peritonitis and duodenal fistula] and ii medical complications. Mean hospital stay was 6 days. All patients were discharged with antibiotics for Helicobacter pylon eradication. Laparoscopic repair of perforated duodenal ulcer is a safe option providing low rates of morbidity, reoperation and mortality, and can be considered as the treatment of choice