Perforated Gastroduodenal Ulcer

Peptic ulcer is a very common disease in the population, especially in the elderly, with an incidence of 5-10%. It is estimated that 2-10% of patients with peptic ulcer undergo ulcer perforation, which is one of the most common complications. The control of risk factors over time, associated with the improvement of diagnostic criteria and the improvement of surgical techniques, has made the outcome of this pathology much better. The aim of this chapter was to focus on the consequences and diagnostic-therapeutic management of peptic ulcer perforation in the frail elderly patient. The purpose was to identify in the literature which clinical and diagnostic criteria may be used in order to identify the patients who can obtain the best outcome through surgical treatment for peptic ulcer perforation.