Typhoid perforation in children: Effect of time interval after perforation on primary repair

Abstract

From 1991 to 1994, 22 patients with typhoid perforation were treated in the Department Of Paediatric Surgery Nishtar Medical College and Hospital Multan. Male to female ratio was 3:1. The age ranges from 5 to 10 years. Six patients (27.3%) were operated with in 24 hours after the onset of perforation (A), twelve patients (54.6%) after 24 hours but before 48 hours (B) and four (18.2%) after 48 hours of perforation (C).Primary closure of perforation with 2 layers of interrupted silk sutures were done in all the patients after excision of necrotic margin and undermining ulcer. Repair was successful in group A and B patients who were operated upon before 48 hours. Repair broke down in both GC patients who survived after operation. Morbidity was negligible in GA, increased in GB and very high in GC patients Average hospital stay was 10, 25 and 35 days in GA,GB and GC patients respectively.