ABSTRACT
A retrospective study of 76 patients with typhoid enteric perforation with a view to analyze the factors contributing to the high incidence of this condition and delayed diagnosis is presented. There were 50 male and 26 female patients. Most of patients [n = 28] were in the second decade of life. Common presenting symptoms were fever followed by pain abdomen. Widal test was positive in 71 patients while free gas under the diaphragm was found in 45 cases only. At laparotomy 74 patients were found to have ILEAL perforation and jejunal perforation in 2 cases. Faecal peritonitis was observed in 54 cases. In 59 patients primary closure of perforation was performed, while in 11 patients exteriorization of perforation as temporary ileostomy was done. Twelve out of 59 patients with primary closure of the perforation reperforated with considerable postoperative morbidity and mortality. On the other hand 11 patients with the primary exteriorization of perforation as temporary ileostomy did very well. The overall mortality rate was 17 out of 76 patients [22.35 percent]. Early diagnosis and primary exteriorization of the perforation as temporary ileostomy can decrease morbidity and mortality considerably