Magnitude, outcome, and predictors of mortality in perforated peptic ulcer disease: a retrospective study in Jigjiga town, Ethiopia

Peptic ulcer perforation (PUP) is a surgical emergency and life-threatening complication affecting 2–10% of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) patients. Delayed diagnosis and surgical management are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the magnitude and outcome of PUP among patients operated on at two public hospitals in Jigjig town, Ethiopia. A 3-year hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 patients operated for PUP at the study hospitals in Jigjig from April 1st, 2018, to July 30th, 2021. Data were collected from medical records. Bivariate analysis identified key factors impacting outcomes in PUP patients. The cohort had a male-to-female ratio of 8.7:1, and a mean age of 38 ± 13.3 years, with 48.8% smokers and 56.6% chat chewers. Duodenal perforations accounted for 93.7% of cases, with post-operative complications in 29.1% and an in-hospital mortality rate of 5.5%. Significant predictors of morbidity and mortality included advanced age (AOR 23.88), comorbidities (AOR 26.80), pre-operative hypotension (AOR 32.33), and delayed hospital presentation (AOR 30.10). Male predominance, younger age, high smoking and chat chewing rates, and primarily duodenal perforations are common in perforated peptic ulcer cases. Advanced age, comorbidities, pre-operative hypotension, and delayed hospital presentation significantly increase postoperative complications and mortality, emphasizing the need for timely intervention and targeted public health measures to improve patient outcomes. Early intervention and careful management of comorbidities are crucial to improve survival and reduce complications in patients with PUP.