Patterns and Seasonal Variations of Perforated Peptic Ulcer Disease: Experience from Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: The free anterolateral thigh flap with its large caliber vessels, a reliable skin territory and minimal donor site morbidity is the reconstructive surgeons’ workhorse. The pedicled flap though not as popular, has been used extensively for the reconstruction of defects from the mid-leg to the epigastrium. The favorable profile of the anterolateral thigh flap, with minimal variability of its vascular anatomy and donor site complications is well described in most races; literature of its use in sub-Saharan Africa is scanty. Methods: The author describes the use of the anterolateral thigh flap in a series of 17 patients in a rural African hospital, illustrating its versatility as well as the complications associated with its use in this patient population. Results: Seventeen patients with Jones was performed in 83 (95.4%) of the patients. Atotal of 42 complications occurred in 20 (22.9%) of the patients, the commonest being wound infection. Ten (11.4%) underwent re-laparotomy. Nine patients (10.3%) died. Conclusion:This study has shown that perforated PUD affects young males who are smokers, alcohol users and khat chewers. It is also very common during the rainy Ethiopian months. We recommend further studies to study the interplay of these risk factors in the pathogenesis of perforations, especially their interaction with H.Pylori infection.

Keywords

• perforated pud
• omental patch
• seasonal variation
• risk factors