Reoperation for recurrent peptic ulceration.

Thirty-eight patients undergoing reoperation for recurrent peptic ulceration have been reviewed after at least 3 years. All were considered to be in Visick grade IV before reoperation. There were no operative deaths. Thirty-three of the patients ended with both a vagotomy and antral resection. After reoperation 17 patients (45 per cent) remained in Visick grades III and IV. Eight patients have had further operations and, after 47 procedures in 38 patients, 14 (37 per cent) were still in Visick grades III and IV. Vagotomy and antrectomy has a high non-ulcer mobidity rate and we conclude that other methods of treatment for recurrent ulceration require evaluation.