[Hemorrhaging gastroduodenal ulcer--clinical aspects, therapy, prognosis]

Between 1974 and 1985 208 patients with acutely bleeding gastroduodenal ulcers have been treated operatively. Postoperative mortality rate was 14.4% and mainly influenced by age, intensity of bleeding, pre- and intraoperative blood pressure, amount of blood transfusions, and duration of ulcer disease. Results after resections were distinctly better than those achieved by ligation of the bleeding vessel with or without vagotomy. In 2.9% recurrent hemorrhage necessitated an early relaparotomy. During a close follow-up from 1 to 12 years reoperation had to be performed because of recurrent ulcers in 4.5%. In 88% of all cases a good long-term result was obtained.