Laparoscopic repair of perforated gastroduodenal ulcer by running suture

Abstract

Background and aims: Perforated gastroduodenal ulcer represents an emergency situation that requires immediate surgical intervention. Laparoscopic ulcer repair is a feasible and safe procedure, especially in cases of a short duration of ulcer perforation and good clinical condition. However, to be well accepted as a treatment modality, an endoscopic procedure should be as simple as possible. We describe a technique that does not require intra-corporal or extra-corporal knotting.

Patients and methods: Over a 4-year period, we performed 786 diagnostic laparoscopies for various, acute abdominal conditions. We identified 20 gastroduodenal perforations. All ulcers were closed with a one-row running suture (Lahodny) and controlled radiologically on the third postoperative day.

Results: Three different surgeons performed the surgeries. There were no conversions to open surgery. Median operating time was 50 min, and median hospital stay was 9 days. We observed no insufficiency, no wound infection, and no stenosis or persisting peritonitis.

Conclusion: The closure of perforated gastric ulcers with the Lahodny suture is safe and simple to perform.