Duodenal and gastric ulcer in Soweto.

Duodenal ulcer is being observed with increasing frequency in the Black population of South Africa, this increase occurring pari passu with industrialization. It is noteworthy that the type of ulcer seen is the 'Western' type of duodenal ulcer, haemorrhage and perforation being the major complications. This picture contrasts with that of gastric outlet obstruction resulting from the 'stenosing' type of ulcer which occurs in rural, non-westernized areas of Africa. The specific characteristics of gastric ulcer in the Sowetan population are outlined, and it is emphasized that gastric ulcer is still uncommon among South African urban Blacks. Protective factors may account for the paucity of gastric ulcer in this group.