Perforations in acute duodenal ulcers.

To determine the clinical characteristics and outcome of perforated acute ulcers of the duodenum, we prospectively studied 60 patients, 28.3 per cent of all perforations, after closure only. Patients with acute ulcers were significantly older and had a higher hospital mortality than did those with perforated chronic ulcers. Within the first three years following closure, chronic ulcers recurred significantly more often than did acute ulcers. Nevertheless, relapses in patients with acute ulcers were usually symptomatic and, on occasion, necessitated reoperation for complications. Among the acute ulcer group, individuals who had perforated ulcers by the age of 30 years had a significantly increased risk of early recurrence. Due to the higher risk, we suggest that an immediate, definitive operation be evaluated in younger patients with a perforated acute ulcer of the duodenum.