Modified Open Omental Plugging of Peptic Ulcer Perforation in a Municipal Hospital in Ghana

Abstract

Background: This prospective study conducted in the Holy Family Municipal Hospital in Techiman Ghana, aimed at providing data on gastric and duodenal perforations in a municipal hospital in a developing tropical country and to report and evaluate the outcome of surgery with regard to the use of a modified open omental plugging in our setting. 

Patients and Interventions: Between July 2004 and October 2008, 56 patients were recorded: 45 patients had gastric and 11patients duodenal perforation. (Gastric/Duodenal perforation ratio: 4.0:1). All patients received the same treatment with a modified technique
of over-suturing the perforation with use of a “champagne cork” omental plug. The procedure of this plugging is described. Total mortality in the study was 6 (10.7 %), all in the gastric, none in duodenal perforations.

Conclusion: We conclude that the use of open “champagne cork” omental plugging is a reliable method of closure of perforations in peptic ulcer disease in our setting and contributed to an improvement of our mortality rate.