Graham patch

Graham patch is a surgical procedure used to repair a perforated peptic ulcer. Named after the American surgeon Roscoe Reid Graham, this procedure involves sewing a piece of omentum, a fatty tissue in the abdomen, over the hole.

Procedure

The Graham patch procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to access the ulcer. The omentum is then sewn over the perforation using absorbable sutures. The goal of the procedure is to seal the hole and prevent further leakage of stomach or intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity.

Indications

The Graham patch is primarily used to treat perforated peptic ulcers. These can occur in the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). Perforation is a serious complication of peptic ulcers and requires immediate surgical intervention.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, the Graham patch carries some risks. These can include infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding organs. There is also a risk that the patch may not fully seal the perforation, leading to persistent leakage.

Postoperative Care

After the procedure, patients are typically monitored in the hospital for several days. They may need to take antibiotics to prevent infection and medications to reduce stomach acid and promote healing of the ulcer. Dietary modifications may also be necessary.

See Also

• Peptic ulcer
• Gastric ulcer
• Duodenal ulcer
• Omentum
• Surgery

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