A 1-Year Randomized Controlled Study to Compare Laparoscopic Repair vs. Open Repair for the Treatment of Hollow Viscus Perforation

In patients with hollow viscus perforation of the abdomen, open surgery is considered as the standard approach; however, the use of laparoscopy for diagnostic purposes and treatment appears to be a safe alternative with many advantages. The present study was conducted to compare the results of laparoscopic repair versus open repair in patients with hollow viscus perforation. A total of 60 patients with hollow viscus perforation undergoing either laparoscopic (group A = 30) or open repair (group B = 30) were included in the study. Demographic data, history, and clinical characteristics of all patients were noted. The primary outcomes such as time required for surgical procedure and resumption of normal activities were noted. The mean ages of groups A and B were 48.30 ± 18.23 and 49.30 ± 15.27 years, respectively, with male preponderance. In clinical characteristics, duration of vomiting (p = 0.001) and total leukocyte count (p = 0.032) were associated significantly with incidence of hollow viscus perforation. The mean Mannheim peritonitis index score was comparable in groups A and B (22.07 ± 4.65 vs. 21.47 ± 5.39; p = 0.646). The mean duration of surgery was significantly low in group A (105.13 ± 9.57 min) compared to group B (141.67 ± 20.19 min; p < 0.001). The mean duration of resumption of daily activities was significantly low in group A (4.53 ± 0.73 days) compared to group B (11.87 ± 2.93 days; p < 0.001). Laparoscopic repair is a beneficial procedure for the management of hollow viscus perforation in terms of lower surgical time and early resumption of daily activities.