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Cimetidine for anastomotic ulcers after partial gastrectomy. A randomized controlled trial
The New England Journal of Medicine
|November 15, 1979
Summary
Cimetidine significantly healed anastomotic ulcers in patients post-gastrectomy. This study found cimetidine (1 g daily) promoted ulcer healing and symptom relief, offering a new treatment for these common gastrointestinal issues.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anastomotic ulceration is a complication following partial gastrectomy (Billroth I/II).
- Effective treatments for these ulcers are crucial for patient recovery and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of cimetidine in healing anastomotic ulcers.
- To assess the impact of cimetidine on associated gastrointestinal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial was conducted.
- 15 outpatients with confirmed anastomotic ulcers received either cimetidine (1g daily) or placebo for eight weeks, alongside antacid therapy.
Main Results:
- Complete ulcer healing was observed in all 7 cimetidine-treated patients versus 1 of 8 placebo-treated patients (P < 0.01).
- All unhealed ulcers improved with subsequent open cimetidine treatment.
- Cimetidine showed a trend towards improving daytime symptoms (P=0.06) and significantly relieved nighttime symptoms (P=0.02).
Conclusions:
- Daily cimetidine (1g) effectively promotes the healing of anastomotic ulcers after partial gastrectomy.
- Cimetidine offers a promising therapeutic option for managing post-gastrectomy anastomotic ulcers and related symptoms.