Peptic Ulcer Disease – Part 1
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is the formation of ulcers the lining and wall of the stomach and duodenum. The understanding and treatment of PUD has changed considerably in the last two decades. Previously the etiology of these conditions was thought to be one of acid hypersecretion of the stomach and the mainstay of treatment was surgery, with often radical resections (removal of tissue) being performed.
It is now known that the bacterium Helicobacter pylori plays a causative role in the development of most peptic ulcers. With the development of easy-to-take antibiotic regimens and the use of proton pump inhibitors (e.g., esmeprazole) and H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine), the need for surgery to treat PUD is quite low and usually reserved for the complications of neglected peptic ulcer disease (perforation, bleeding, gastric outlet obstruction).
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