Giant duodenal ulcers. Successful healing with medical therapy.

Giant duodenal ulcers (GDU) have been associated with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality unless early operative intervention is undertaken. There are few published reports of successful medical management of GDU. Therefore, we reviewed 14 consecutive patients with GDU at our institution. Excluding the following cases: Two patients who had elective surgery, two patients who died from unrelated causes, and one patient who initially presented with a complication of GDU, complete healing was accomplished in eight of nine patients with cimetidine, antacids, and close observation. We conclude from our review that uncomplicated GDU can be successfully treated with medical therapy.