“…Because the results of conventional treatment are unsatisfactory especially in patients with a visible perforation (MacLaren 1957, Brown & Toomey 1960, Bevan 1961, Dawson et al 1964 the time seems ripe for a more widespread trial of emergency resection. However, no definite conclusions can be made by using such a treatment on selected patients; the results will have to be judged by the effect on the mortality rates (in all age groups) of all cases occurring in a hospital practice.…”