Our Surgical Experience and Clinical Results in Nontraumatic Small Bowel Perforations

Aim:In this study, we aimed to share our surgical experiences and clinical results in non-traumatic small bowel perforations.Method:Patients who underwent surgical treatment for non-traumatic small bowel perforation between 2009-2019 were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to postoperative 90-day mortality status: Group 1 (no mortality), Group 2 (mortality). The demographic, clinical features, treatment methods and results of the patients were compared between the groups.Results:Forty-two patients participated in our study. Group 1 consisted of 25, and Group 2 consisted of 17 patients. Male sex was dominant in Group 2 (48% vs 76.5%, p=0.062). Mean age was higher in Group 2 (54 vs 61, p=0.218). American Anesthesiology Association score (ASA) was statistically significantly higher in Group 2 (12% vs 58.8%). Forty-two percent of patients had abdominal surgery and 30% had a history of malignancy. The presence of electrolyte imbalance was similar in the groups (56% vs 76.5%, p=0.049). The days between the first complaint and laparotomy were similar between the groups (6.40 vs. 5.70 p=0.699). In perforated areas, jejunum was dominant in Group 2 with 64.7%, and ileum in Group 1 with 68%. The multiple perforation rate was higher in Group 2, but was not statistically significant (12% vs 23.5%, p=0.284). From postoperative complications, anastomosis leakage was higher in Group 1, but it was not statistically significant (12% vs 5.9%, p=0.501).Conclusion:Morbidity and mortality of non-traumatic small bowel perforations is high. While the ASA score and hypoalbuminemia were associated with postoperative mortality in non-traumatic small bowel perforations, we did not find the localization of the perforation and the time between the first complaint and laparotomy to be related to mortality.