Peptic Ulcer—When and When Not to Operate

Abstract

Very few patients with duodenal ulcer require operation. Physicians must convince these patients of the importance of avoiding excessive gastric acidity. In the small number of cases in which surgical intervention is necessary, an operation should be done which results in gastric anacidity. Gastric ulcer can undergo malignant change and should be resected. The results of surgical treatment for peptic ulcer at the Ochsner Clinic are reviewed briefly.