Laparoscopic Versus Open Closure of Duodenal Perforations: A Retrospective Comparative Study in a Rural Hospital, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract Introduction: Evidence on the outcomes of laparoscopic surgeries, especially in emergency conditions such as peptic ulcer, remains unknown. A retrospective study was conducted in a rural surgical unit in Andhra Pradesh to compare morbidity, mortality, and duration of hospital admission in patients undergoing laparoscopic (Group L) and open (Group O) closure of duodenal perforations. Methods: Retrospective data of adult patients with peptic ulcer perforation treated by surgical approach during January 2012 and December 2017 were scrutinized. Pre- and postoperative records were abstracted for clinical conditions. Mortality was compared between the two groups with appropriate statistical tests. Results: A total of 120 patients, 60 in each group, were recruited for the study. The preoperative clinical characteristics of the two groups were similar. The mean duration of surgery was significantly higher in Group L (212.8 ± 29 min) compared to Group O (107 ± 16 min) ( P < 0.001). Wound discharge ( n = 3, 5%) and postoperative leak ( n = 2, 3.3%) were the only complications noted in the L group. Several complications were noted in the O group including wound discharge ( n = 51, 85%), wound dehiscence ( n = 12, 20.0%), postoperative leak ( n = 8, 13.3%), pneumonia ( n = 1, 1.7%), and need for ventilation ( n = 6, 10.0%). Three (5%) patients died in the hospital in Group O while none died in Group L. The average duration of hospital admission was 7.1 days (standard deviation SD =1.0 days) for Group L and 11.7 days (SD = 2.2 days) for Group O (mean difference: 4.6 days; 95% confidence interval: 4.6–5.2 days). Conclusion: Laparoscopic correction of duodenal ulcer perforation is both feasible and effective in reducing morbidity and mortality and overall treatment duration at peripheral centers.