Duodenal ulcer perforation in the rural population of Andhra Pradesh: A tertiary care hospital based study

Abstract

Hyperacidity is not a prerequisite for duodenal ulcers. Failure of mucosal defenses against gastric acid and pepsin results in ulceration Based on today’s life style it is evident that the epidemiology of peptic ulcer disease largely are related to environmental factors, primarily Helicobacter pylori infection, NSAID use, and smoking, Out of 52 cases of perforated duodenal ulcers, 38 cases (73%) belonged to lower socioeconomi status. Mortality of perforated duodenal ulcer has declined from 40 percent to the present level of less than 10 percent, Perforation is an acute emergency which has to be treated without delay to decrease the mortality.