Falciform ligament use in perforated duodenal ulcer repair: a case report and literature review

Acute perforated duodenal ulcers are considered one of the most encountered emergency surgical conditions leading to mortality. Different approaches have been proposed for management based on the clinical status of the patient. The use of omental patch closure is widely accepted either via an open or laparoscopic approach. However, not all patients are candidates owing to the availability and viability of the greater omentum. In these patients, the falciform ligament can be used as an alternative and efficient method for repair. In this case, we present a male patient with a perforated ulcer in the first part of the duodenum which was managed by falciform ligament patch instead of the usual omental patch. In cases of a deficient or unhealthy greater omentum, or if it cannot be brought in the upper part of the abdominal cavity due to severe adhesions, the falciform ligament can be used efficiently in the closure of perforated duodenal ulcer.