Arationale for the treatment of peptic ulcer

Conclusions

1. There are undoubtedly several interesting factors which are responsible for the genesis, reactivation and chronicity of peptic ulcer.

2. The most important of these factors are traumatization of local tissue, erosion made possible by any means which reduces the defensive reaction of tissue and certain systemic factors of which neurogenic influences are the most important.

3. Anyrationale for treatment of peptic ulcer must recognize the importance of all potential causes and direct therapeutic considerations toward all of them. Treatment must be sufficiently flexible so that consideration is given not only to the three factors mentioned before, in a general way, but also toward that factor which can frequently be shown to be the predominant one in a particular case.

4. Individual exacerbations are merely breakdowns in the cycle of peptic ulcer. The program of treatment must, therefore, be a prophylatic one, directing special attention toward prevention of disturbances in tissues, in gastric chemism, and in the nervous system of the patient, even during asymptomatic periods.