Study of Incidence of Peptic Ulcer Perforation in Young Adults: A Hospital Based Study

ABSTRACT

Background: Peptic ulcer formation affects about 2-10% of world population every year with higher incidence in younger individuals. Being a surgical emergency, it has higher mortality and morbidity. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence of peptic ulcer perforation based on gender, age and also to study its associated risk factors, clinical presentations, site along with surgical management and complications.  Materials & Methods: 75 patients diagnosed with perforated peptic ulcer were included and this study was conducted in the department of Surgery Government Bangur Hospital, Pali, Rajasthan, India. Structured performa was prepared to obtained details of patients and ethical clearance from the institute was also taken prior to the study. Results: 76% of patients in our study were males and 24% were females with male and female ratio 13.16. The prevalence of perforation was high in age group 20-30 years (30.7%). 62.7% of cases had positive family history and the incidence was in the patients who consumed non-vegetarian (84.8%), spicy (61.4%) and oily (69.5%) foods. Frequently observed clinical presentation were abdominal pain followed by tenderness and rigidity and gas under diaphragm. The common site of perforation was duodenum (62.7%) and most of the cases were treated by closure with omental patch (81.3%). The post-surgical complications frequently observed were wound infection (30.6%) and chest infection (28%). Conclusion: Peptic ulcer perforation is common disorder of gastrointestinal tract, now affecting younger adults with male preponderance. It is associated with unwanted health and economic issues. Therefore, earlier management is only the way to minimize complications and mortality.