Year: 2026 | Month: May | Volume: 16 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 275-284
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260531
A Study of Clinical Evaluation and Management of Gastro-Intestinal Perforations
Vishal1, Pramod2, Prachi Pujari3
1Postgraduate student, Dept. of General Surgery, GIMS, Kalburgi, Karnataka, India.
2Associate professor, Dept. of General Surgery, GIMS, Kalburgi, Karnataka, India.
3Assistant professor, Dept. of General Surgery, GIMS, Kalburgi, Karnataka, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Vishal
ABSTRACT
Background: Despite advances in diagnostic modalities, antibiotics, anesthesia, and surgical techniques, perforated peritonitis continues to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The present study examines the clinical profile, etiology, operative management, postoperative complications, and outcomes in patients presenting with gastrointestinal perforation.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 78 patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal perforation who underwent emergency surgical intervention were included in the study. Detailed clinical history, physical examination findings, laboratory investigations, intra-operative findings, surgical procedures performed, postoperative complications, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed.
Results: In the present study, gastrointestinal perforation was more commonly observed in middle-aged individuals with male predominance. The most common etiology was peptic ulcer disease (43.6%), followed by appendicitis (28.2%), typhoid fever (15.4%), malignancy (7.7%), and tuberculosis (5.1%). With respect to the anatomical site, appendicular (28.2%) was the most common, followed by gastric perforation (prepyloric) (25.6%), ileal (24.4%), and duodenal perforations (14.1%). Emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed in all patients. The most frequently performed procedure was Graham’s omental patch repair (39.7 %), followed by appendicectomy (28.2%). Surgical site infection was the most common complication (34.6%), followed by sepsis (17.9%) and respiratory complications. Mortality occurred in 12.8% of patients, mainly among those presenting with shock, severe sepsis, and delayed presentation.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis, aggressive resuscitation, prompt surgical intervention, and meticulous postoperative care are essential to improve outcomes in patients with perforated peritonitis.
Key words: Peptic ulcer, Gastrointestinal perforation, Peritonitis, Mortality