Developments in the treatment of peptic ulcer.

A review is given of developments in the treatment of peptic ulcers from the early nineteenth century to modern times. 150 years ago long-term treatment consisted of antacids and dietary advice, while bed rest and starvation were included in most regimes around 1900. At the beginning of the 20th century the "Sippy regime" was adopted world wide, entailings, physical rest and complete neutralization of acid. The urge for complete elimination of acid led to the use of the continuous gastric drip. The side effects of these therapeutic modalities were considerable, and thus they were gradually abandoned, so that around 1950 only antacids and bed rest in the initial phase were recommended. During the last 20 years there have been dramatic developments in the medical treatment of peptic ulcers. The impact of the new drugs is discussed.