A Consideration of Some Changes in Diagnostics of Stomach Diseases in the Course of Two Decades

Abstract

The application of the roentgen ray to the investigation of diseases of the abdominal organs has produced advances hardly equalled in any other field. This is the more remarkable in view of the fact that this method has been in use for a period of only slightly over two decades. The inadequacy of the former methods of investigation has been realized since the introduction of contrast media into the digestive tract has made the abdomen transparent, so to speak. A few examples will suffice to illustrate the radical change of our conceptions on diagnosis and treatment due largely to the newly developed roentgenologic signs. Formerly the pylorus was regarded as the most common seat of peptic ulcer. Signs of pyloric obstruction, such as dilatation of the stomach, visible peristalsis, copious vomiting, and the finding of Sarcinae in the gastric contents were looked upon as the most cardinal symptoms of peptic ulcer. Only rarely could the diagnosis of ulcer of the corpus of the stomach or of the duodenum be made...