Outcome of surgical treatment of intestinal perforation in typhoid fever

AIM: To represent our clinical experience in the treatment of intestinal perforation arising from typhoid fever. METHODS: The records of 22 surgically-treated patients with typhoid intestinal perforation were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: There were 18 males and 4 females, mean age 37 years (range, 8-64 years). Presenting symptoms were fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation. Sixteen cases were subjected to segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis, while 3 cases received 2-layered primary repair following debridement, one case with multiple perforations received 2-layered primary repair and end ileostomy, one case received segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis followed by an end ileostomy, and one case received segmental resection and end ileostomy with mucous fistula operation. Postoperative morbidity was seen in 5 cases and mortality was found in one case. CONCLUSION: Intestinal perforation resulting from Salmonella typhi is an important health problem in Eastern and Southeastern Turkey. In management of this illness, early and appropriate surgical intervention is vital. (C) 2010 Baishideng. All rights reserved.