[Choice of the method of stomach resection]

The authors studied the causes of the recurrence of peptic ulcer in 142 patients after various types of operations on the stomach for peptic ulcer. They came to the conclusion that operations which are characterized by alkalization of the gastrointestinal anastomosis, on condition that free hydrochloric acid is maintained in the gastric juice after the operation, may be a factor predisposing the development of peptic ulcer of the anastomosis and jejunum. Hofmeister-Finsterer gastroenterostomy must be performed in resection of the stomach for duodenal ulcers which are characterized by high acidity. Balfour's anastomosis is preferable in achlorhydria or marked hypoacidity of the gastric juice before the operation.