Comparison of Omental Patch Closure Versus Simple Closure for Laparoscopic Repair of Perforated Peptic Ulcer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Aims: To evaluate comparative outcomes of laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer with omental patch versus without omental patch.

Methods: A systematic search of multiple electronic data sources was conducted, and all studies comparing laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) with and without omental patch were included. Operative time, postoperative complications, re-operation and mortality were the evaluated outcome parameters for the meta-analysis. Revman 5.3 was used for data analysis.

Results: Four observational studies reporting a total number of 438 patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of PPU with (n = 268) or without (n = 170) omental patch were included. Operative time was significantly shorter in no-omental patch group (NOP) when compared to omental patch group ( = .02). There was no significant difference in the risk of postoperative ileus (Odd ratio (OR) .76, = .61), leakage (OR 1.17, = .80), wound infection (OR 1.89, = .34), intra-abdominal abscess (OR 1.17, = .87), re-operation (OR .00, = .94) and mortality (OR .55, = .48). Moreover, length of hospital stay was comparable between the two groups ( = .81).

Conclusion: Laparoscopic repair of PPU with or without omental patch have comparable postoperative complications and mortality rate. However, considering the shorter operative time, no-omental patch approach is an attractive and more favourable choice. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate this comparison.