Experience of spontaneous small bowel perforations at the Mayo Hospital

ABSTRACT

Hospital record of 84 consecutive cases of spontaneous small bowel perforation managed by one surgical unit of mayo hospital over a period of two years was examined. Fifty eight male and 26 female cases were dealt with. Age ranged from 15-70 years. Perforations were caused by enteric fever in 50% cases tuberculosis 31%, adhesive bowel disease and non-specific in 9%. Eighty one percent cases had only one, 12% cases had two and 7% cases more than 2 perforations. Primary repair of perforation was done in 60% cases, resection and anastomosis in another 23% and in 13% cases the perforation was exteriorized. In 2% cases simple tube drainage of the coelomic cavity was done. Twenty One cases had postoperative complications out of these 5 patients expired