Medical Treatment of Peptic Ulcer

Abstract

A patient whose peptic ulcer has healed is little better off than he was when his illness was imminent unless specific etiologic factors are sought and modifications applied, when possible. A workable plan of living should be mapped out with the patient during the period of initial hospitalization. Outpatient management of acute gastric ulcer is not to be condoned; a trial of intensive medical management in the hospital, with rigid criteria of responsiveness, is recommended. Before undertaking surgical treatment for ulcer on the basis of “intractability,” it is advisable to insist on objective evidence of severe ulcer disease.