MEDICAL-TREATMENT OF PEPTIC-ULCER DISEASE - WHERE DO WE STAND

Peptic ulcer disease is one of the most common and most costly gastroi ntestinal disorders. Our knowledge of the pathogenesis and treatment o f peptic ulcer disease underwent revolutionary changes over the last t wo decades, starting with the introduction of effective and safe acid suppressive and cytoprotective drugs and culminating with the recognit ion of Helicobactor Pylori as the major causative factor for peptic ul cer disease.(1-3) There are enough reasons now to believe that we have a real opportunity to modify the natural history of peptic ulcer dise ase from the traditional one of chronicity and relapses to effective p revention and cure.