[Pressing problems of gastric and duodenal ulcer surgery].

Main types of surgical operations for the treatment of ulcer disease were elaborated towards the end of XIX century and improved constantly for the better by surgeons. Vagotomy is the outstanding achievement of the XX century. It enabled lowering of mortality, and frequency of postresection syndromes and improved patients' quality of life. The discovery of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) has changed our knowledge about ulcer disease pathophysiology. Eradication of Hp with omeprasol and antibiotics sharply improved the treatment, decreased the relapses. In this connection number of elective surgical operations decreased, but number of emergency increased. Importance of Hp in pathophysiology of ulcer disease is overestimated. Chronic Hp gastritis, destroying protective mucosal barrier clear the way for destructive action ofacidopeptic component of gastric juice and ulcer formation. The comparative evaluation of different surgical operations is given and optimal methods for the treatment of complicated and uncomplicated duodenal and gastric ulcers are recommended.