ANALYSIS OF DRAIN REPLACEMENT IN PEPTIC ULCER PERFORATIONS TREATED WITH PRIMARY REPAIRMENT

Abstract

To determine the efficiency of abdominal drains, 34 cases who had drain placement and 32 cases without drains were compared with regard to mean age, mean perforation time, mean operation time and mean irrigation fluid volume. In the drained group, mean age was 40.5 ± 2.5, mean perforation time was 60 ± 3 minutes, mean irrigation fluid volume was 2200 ± 200ml and mean hospitalization time was 5.3 ± 0.25 days. In the group without drain placement, mean age was 33.7 ± 3, mean perforation time was 12.5 ± 3 hours, mean operation time was 64 ± 4 minutes, mean irrigation fluid volume was 200 ± 230ml and mean hospitalization time was 4.3 ± 0.3 days. There were no significant differences between both groups regarding age, perforation time, operation time and irrigation fluid volume (p>0.05). Mean hospitalization time, however, was significantly shorter in the non-drain group (p=0.015). There was no morbidity and mortality in both groups. Our results suggest that except for cases with large abscess cavities, it is unnecessary to place drains after primary repair of peptic ulcer perforation. Careful drainage of all collections and vigorous peritoneal irrigation will provide adequate protection against further complications.