The treatment of peptic ulcer based on 1435 cases (an abstract)

Conclusions

A careful study of the end results of treatment suggest:

• 1. That the disease remains active after both surgical and medical treatment, and that our present methods of treatment do not overcome the cause of the disease.

• 2. That the somewhat higher incidence of complete relief which surgery gives, is offset by the higher incidence of failure.

• 3. That the important aim in treatment should be the prevention of relapses, which can only be accomplished by keeping the patient on a carefully regulated schedule.

• 4. That surgery is indicated for patients with an X-ray retention of 30 per cent or more, and for patients that continue to bleed when on a good medical schedule, and for patients whose ulcer has perforated.

• 5. That patients with a hypersecretion respond poorly to all therapy, but should be treated medically owing to the danger of the development of a jejunal ulcer.