Omental Patch Technique for the Ileal Perforation Secondary to Typhoid Fever

BACKGROUND/AIM: Enteric perforation is a grave complication of typhoid fever. Laparotomy with primary closure is the treatment of choice depending upon the bowel condition. Fecal fistula formation is the main concern in primary closure and the incidence of this complication dramatically decreases when omentum is used as a patch over primary closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 176 patients underwent laparotomy for enteric perforation and they were divided into two groups randomly; Group I–Primary closure with omental patch and GroupII– –Only primary closure. The outcomes were measured in relation to hospital stay, wound infection, septicemia, fecal fistula, and mortality. RESULTS: The incidence of complications including fecal fistula and mortality is significantly lower in the group I patients. Fecal fistula occurs in 7.7% in group II, while in only 1.1% in group I. The mortality is also lower 3.3% in group II, while 1.1% in group I. CONCLUSION: Primary closure with omental patch is a better option as compared with only primary closure in enteric perforation patients. It can be recommended as an alternative method to primary closure only in enteric perforation patients.