Emergency surgery in massive hemorrhage from high lesser curvature ulcers

Summary

• 1. Four cases of massive hemorrhage from peptic ulcers above the mid-portion of the lesser curvature are reported in which emergency surgery was carried out.

• 2. Two patients exsanguinated after surgery, one following gastrectomy in which the ulcer was left in situ, the other following wedge resection.

• 3. The emergency procedure of choice in these cases appears to be a high Hofmeister resection with removal of the ulcer under local anesthesia notwithstanding the patient's poor condition.

• 4. Two cases are reported in which this was done successfully.