Evaluation of the surgical treatment of intractable duodenal ulcer.

Abstract

The hope of general agreement among physicians and surgeons in the treatment of duodenal ulcer may well be as visionary as the goal of world peace through the United Nations. Both physician and surgeon agree on the importance of the acid peptic factor in the etiology of duodenal ulcer. Both call for a spirit of cooperation in the care of problem cases. To put it bluntly, neither has much Confidence in the other's treatment insofar as long-term results are concerned. The surgeon cannot forget the changing vogues of medication. Each is hailed as the panacea for the control of ulcer. In addition, there is the implied hint on occasion that the previous inhuman resections, made necessary by the vices of man, no longer are necessary. On the other hand, the physician's experience has convinced him that 85% to 90% or more of duodenal ulcers can be treated medically satisfactorily. He