The case histories of 211 patients with perforated peptic ulcer treated by simple suture between the years 1949 and 1954 have been studied, in an attempt to determine whether more definitive ulcer surgery is justified at the time of perforation. Certain features in these histories have been investigated to determine their prognostic value at the time of perforation, and an attempt has been made to show the indications for definitive surgery. Of the patients who left hospital, approximately 70% have been reviewed 10 to 15 years after simple suture. It is concluded that there is no justification for adopting a policy of definitive surgery in all cases, but certain indications for this form of treatment are suggested.
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