New horizons in the pharmacologic management of peptic ulceration

Greatly improved understanding of the cellular basis for gastric acid secretion and gastroduodenal mucosal defense has led to a dramatic improvement in the pharmacologic treatment of peptic ulcer disease. The advances produced by cimetidine and ranitidine are being continued by a new generation of histamine receptor antagonists, as well as by other anti-ulcer agents. These new drugs, when used appropriately, will greatly expand the surgeon's ability to treat patients with peptic ulcer disease. A knowledge of the pathophysiologic characteristics of peptic ulceration and of the inherent limitations of each agent will become increasingly important for surgeons who treat these patients.