Abstract:
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to test the established hypothesis that biopsies of spontaneous gastric perforations should
be taken to rule out cancer.
METHODS A prospective observational study was performed. Consecutive patients with spontaneous gastric perforation were
included. Biopsies of the edges of the perforation were submitted for histological evaluation. The epithelial type as well as
the nature of the pathology were evaluated.
RESULTS Sixty-eight patients were included. Eight (12%) biopsies revealed duodenal origin. Sixty (88%) biopsies revealed
gastric mucosa of which 33 (48%) could be specifically typed. All biopsies revealed benign ulceration. No malignancies
were detected in these biopsies or on subsequent gastroscopic follow up.
CONCLUSION This study suggests that routine intraoperative biopsy of gastric perforation may be questioned. Biopsy is probably
better performed endoscopically after recovery.
