Gastric ulcer in Zaria, Nigeria

In 1971 to 1977, 34 patients were operated for gastric ulcer at Zaria in the Savannah region of Northern Nigeria. The most frequent operation (35%) was for perforation. The frequency of perforation is similar to Ibadan's but smaller than Dakar's. Compared with Ibadan and Burundi, there are fewer women, more Type I ulcers and more frequent haemorrhages. There were three giant lesser curvature ulcers. Only a few combined duodenal and gastric ulcers were seen suggesting that gastric stasis is not the immediate factor in the production of gastric ulcer in this region.