Gastric ulcer, a surgical problem.

Abstract

Ulcerating lesions of the stomach are of frequent occurrence, and the possibility of their being malignant can never be ruled out except by microscopic examination. They are not infrequently associated with serious complications. Medical treatment of such ulcers has proved ineffective in a high percentage of cases. Gastric resection, on the other hand, can be done with a low mortality, and end-results with few exceptions are most gratifying. The purpose of this presentation is to submit evidence to show that these statements are true and to urge that all ulcerating lesions of the stomach be considered a surgical problem from the moment of diagnosis. A comparison of the results of medical versus surgical treatment of gastric ulcers needs to be often repeated, not only to surgeons, especially those not primarily interested in gastric surgery, but particularly to internists, gastroenterologists, and general practitioners, who too frequently are reluctant to relinquish the