Objective To observe the clinical effects of laparoscopic surgery and traditional laparotomy on peptic ulcer perforation.Methods Patients with peptic ulcer perforation who received laparoscopic surgery (n=20, observation group) and who received open surgery (n=20, control group) from January 2014 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.The surgical indices, recovery conditions, postoperative complications, and stress response were compared between the two groups.Results The postoperative exsufflation time,leaving bed time, hospital stays,use of painkillers, and pain scores of the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group (P<0.05).Although the operation time of the observation group was longer, no difference between the two groups was observed (P>0.05).CRP, WBC, and PCT at 24 h and 48 h postoperation of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05).The postoperative complication rate of the observation group was also significantly lower than that of the control group (5% vs.20%,χ²=4.11,P<0.05).Conclusion Laparoscopic surgery for peptic ulcer perforation shows good clinical effects, with less recovery time,complications, and stress response.