The role of early endoscopic follow up after simple closure of perforated duodenal ulcer: A prospective study

Abstract

Objective: Eradication of Helicobacter pylori is effective in preventing ulcer relapse after simple repair of perforated duodenal ulcers. However, when and how the H. pylori status should be determined remains unclear. The study investigated the role of early endoscopic follow up in managing patients with simple omentopexy for duodenal ulcer perforation. Patients and Method: Patients below the age of 75 years who had simple repair of perforated duodenal ulcer were recruited. They were given a 4-week course of H 2 receptor antagonist upon discharge and advised to return for a follow-up endoscopy at 8 weeks after operation. During endoscopic examination, ulcer healing and other gastroduodenal pathology were noted. Random biopsies were taken from the antrum and body of the stomach for determination of H. pylori infection. Results: In a 30-month period, 112 patients were admitted with perforated duodenal ulcers. The perforation was repaired by either laparoscopic (n = 41) or open method (n = 71). Eleven patients died during hospitalization. Of the 101 patients who recovered, 16 were lost to follow up. Nine patients were considered unfit for endoscopy as a result of medical comorbidities. Among the 76 patients who attended the follow-up endoscopy, 47 were shown to have H. pylori infection (61.8%). Active duodenal ulcers were found in 15 patients, significant erosions in five patients and severe duodenitis in seven patients. Patients infected by H. pylori had a significantly higher proportion of persistent duodenal pathology compared with the uninfected patients (23/47 vs 4/29; P= 0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed that smoking and H. pylori infection were the two independent factors predicting persistent duodenal lesions. Conclusion: Patients treated with simple-closure for duodenal ulcer perforation are recommended to have their H. pylori status determined by early follow-up endoscopy, and an eradication regimen should be prescribed to those who are positive for the infection.