We studied 67 patients who had operation for perforated peptic ulcer. Operative treatment included plication with omentum (Graham closure) in 27 patients, vagotomy and pyloroplasty in 32 patients, or vagotomy and antrectomy in eight patients, depending on antecedent ulcer history, degree of contamination, and general patient condition. Mortality was high with simple closure in patients with long-standing perforation or associated disease. Early complications associated with Graham closure included rebleeding, perforation, and obstruction. There were no deaths or major complications related to vagotomy and pyloroplasty. In selected patients, definitive operation is safe and produces excellent long-term results.