Failure of proximal gastric vagotomy for duodenal ulcer resistant to cimetidine.

45 patients with uncomplicated duodenal ulcer who did not respond to cimetidine underwent elective proximal gastric vagotomy (PGV). 39 of these, who had received cimetidine for an average of 5.2 months before surgery, were followed up for 20-67 months postoperatively. 18(46%) of them were classified as grade IV (ie, failures) according to a modified Visick scale--17 (44%) had a recurrent peptic ulcer. Augmented histamine tests done in 17 patients showed an expected reduction of peak acid output, so maintenance of stomach acidity was unlikely to be a cause of failure of the operation. The presence of mental and social problems preoperatively was associated with a postoperative Visick grade IV. Despite repeated medical therapy, and reoperation in 6 patients, 10(26%) patients still had severe pain and/or dumping at follow up. Proximal gastric vagotomy cannot be advocated in patients with uncomplicated duodenal ulcer resistant to cimetidine, and an alternative treatment is needed for these patients.