Operative treatment in massive peptic ulcer bleeding.

Guidelines are given for surgical intervention in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer. It is noted that the rate of operation for bleeding peptic ulcer has decreased in Göteborg from 1976 to 1983. The mortality in operated patients over 60 years remains unchanged at around 30%. The results of medical treatment have improved and the total mortality has consequently decreased from 23% to 11% in patients over 60 years.