Objective:
Spontaneous gastric
perforation (SGP) in adolescents is very rare. This study aims to evaluate the
diagnostic difficulties and misdiagnoses associated with SGP.
Methods: The medical records of patients that
underwent surgery for a gastric perforation over the past 2 years at our paediatric
surgery clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Patient demographics, symptoms,
diagnostic evaluation, diagnostic difficulties, operative findings, and post operative
clinical course were evaluated.
Results: Seven patients were identified as
having SGP. All of the patients were adolescents. Only 1 patient had a history
of gastritis; the other 6 patients did not have a history of any disease,
surgery or trauma. Radiological evidence of pneumoperitoneum using upright radiography
was only found in 1 patient (16.6%). One patient was misdiagnosed and thought to
have appendicitis. In 2 patients, the diagnosis was unclear, so diagnostic laparoscopy
was performed.
Conclusion:
SGP can be seen in
adolescents. However, sometimes it is difficult to diagnose. Even if all the
imaging studies and laboratory tests are normal, if there is a sign of
peritonitis upon physical examination, diagnostic laparoscopy could be
performed.
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Intensive Care |
Journal Section | Original Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | April 23, 2019 |
Submission Date | December 25, 2018 |
Acceptance Date | March 5, 2019 |
Published in Issue | Year 2019 Volume: 1 Issue: 1 |