[Effect of nicotine on duodenal ulcer]

In 30 non-smokers and smokers each with and endoscopically ascertained duodenal ulcer the healing of the ulcer, the rate of recidivations, the clinical symptomatology and the duration of the unability to work were examined. In these cases in the group of patients with use of nicotine a delayed healing, a higher rate of recidivations, a greater clinical symptomatology and an essentially longer unability to work in contrast to non-smokers could be proved. Therefore it is advisable to stop smoking during the treatment of ulcer. It would be desirable that patients with a diagnosis of ulcer fully do without nicotine. The economic damage by appearing cost of treatment and prolonged unability to work is considerable.