Surgical treatment of stenosed duodenal ulcers.

Based on the clinical pattern (case history, radiological, endoscopic and laboratory examinations) four stages of ulcerous stenoses are distinguished (stage I: subclinical; stage II: compensated; stage III: decompensated; stage IV; complete stenosis). Organ-preserving vagotomy is justified only in stages I and II, in which the motoric function and emptying of the stomach is not yet damaged. In stages III and IV resection is the operation of choice. This view is supported by the results of the authors.