O. Brehant, D. Fuks, C. Sabbagh, A. Wouters, C. Mention, F. Dumont, JM. Regimbeau When surgery is indicated for bleeding duodenal ulcer, the traditional standard of care has been "radical surgical treatment is preferable to conservative therapy since the risk of rebleeding is reduced without an augmentation in morbidity and mortality". This principle is based on two prospective studies published before 1995. Radical surgery at that time consisted of antrectomy, while conservative therapy included oversewing of the bleeding vessel in the ulcer bed and ligation of the gastroduodenal artery (Weinberg procedure). This strategy must be re-evaluated in 2008 in view of our better understanding of the role of Helicopacter pylori in the causation of duodenal ulceration and the decreased risk of post-operative re-bleeding with the use of proton pump inhibitors. The role of surgery has changed. Its aim is no longer to cure the ulcer diathesis but rather to urgently control bleeding in anticipation of ulcer cure with medical therapy.
