Cimetidine treatment of patients with duodenal ulcer referred to a surgical clinic.

Fifty-seven patients with gastroscopically verified duodenal ulcer after being referred to a surgical department were treated with one gram of cimetidine daily for 4 weeks. Within the period of observation 6-16 months (median 9) there was indication for operation in 36 patients, 16 were free from symptoms and five had slight symptoms. Those with freedom from symptoms over a longer period all had gastroscopically verified ulcer healing at control gastroscopy following discontinuation of the treatment. Ulcers localized to the pyloric/pre-pyloric areas had a poorer symptomatic effect of treatment than those situated to the bulb.