Predictors of Morbidity and Mortality Following Emergency Open Repair of Perforated Peptic Ulcer

Background: Perforated peptic ulcer remains a critical surgical emergency with high postoperative morbidity and mortality, influenced by patient-related, disease-related, and perioperative physiological factors. Objective: To evaluate demographic, clinical, biochemical, and perioperative predictors of morbidity and mortality following emergency open repair of perforated peptic ulcer in a tertiary referral hospital. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi from May to October 2015. A total of 150 patients undergoing emergency open repair were included. Variables analyzed comprised age, sex, comorbidities, smoking status, nutritional status, hemoglobin level, duration of perforation, preoperative shock, and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures, standard deviation, and significance testing. Results: Overall mortality was 12.0% (18/150; SD ±2.7%), while wound infection, burst abdomen, and chest infection occurred in 38.7% (SD ±4.0%), 14.7% (SD ±2.9%), and 25.3% (SD ±3.6%), respectively. Mean age of deceased patients was significantly higher (68.4 ± 6.9 years) compared with survivors (52.1 ± 11.3 years; p