Il Giornale di chirurgia
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Il Giornale di chirurgia · Sep 1990
Comparative Study[Role of surgery in the therapy of peptic ulcer after arrival of H2-blocking drugs].
This retrospective study was undertaken to determine if the advent of H2-blockers has altered the surgical treatment and the outcome of patients with peptic ulcer disease. The records of patients undergoing surgery for peptic ulcer disease at Montecchio Maggiore Hospital, Vicenza (Italy), from 1968 to 1977 (group A) and from 1979 to 1989 (group B) were reviewed. Data recorded included, ulcer location, surgical procedures (emergency or elective), indications for emergency surgery (perforation, bleeding). ⋯ The percentage of surgical operations performed for peptic ulcer was 3.54% in group A and 1.55% in group B. A marked decline in surgery for peptic ulcer was noted in group B, concerning both elective and emergency surgery; surgical interventions strongly decreased for both duodenal and gastric ulcer. This study demonstrates that H2-blockers have definitely altered the surgical treatment for peptic ulcer disease.