Preliminary results of laparoscopic repair of perforated duodenal ulcers.

A consecutive series of six patients admitted with perforated anterior duodenal ulcer were operated on using a laparoscopic technique. Only one operation was unsuccessful and required conversion to conventional open laparotomy. The remaining five patients had a completed laparoscopic omental patch repair with peritoneal washout. There was no mortality, and two patients developed a chest infection postoperatively. Early mobilisation and discharge from the hospital (mean, 6 days) were notable features in this series. In conclusion, laparoscopic repair of uncomplicated perforated duodenal is a safe and effective technique.