Complications of gastric ulcers

Written by Li Xue Qing

Gastroenterology

Updated on September 14, 2024

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The main complications of gastric ulcers are fourfold: one is upper gastrointestinal bleeding; the second is perforation; the third is pyloric obstruction; the fourth is malignant transformation.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common complication of gastric ulcers. If a patient has experienced bleeding, there is a high likelihood of recurrence. Perforations mainly occur in elderly individuals. Pyloric obstruction is primarily caused by ulcers in the pyloric canal and pre-pyloric area. It is divided into mechanical obstruction and functional obstruction. Mechanical obstruction results from scarring after the ulcer heals, which narrows the pyloric opening. Functional obstruction is due to congestion and edema of the mucosa after the ulcer, causing relative narrowing of the pylorus. As for malignant transformation, it is still controversial, but it is generally believed to be around 1%-7%.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 7sec

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Can early-stage gastric ulcers be cured?

Gastric ulcers are a disease characterized by defects in the gastric mucosa. The main symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, belching, and acid reflux. These defects in the gastric mucosa can be observed through gastroscopy, allowing for a diagnosis of gastric ulcers. The treatment primarily focuses on suppressing acid, protecting the stomach, and enhancing gastric motility. Additionally, it is important to test for Helicobacter pylori. If the test for Helicobacter pylori is positive, standardized treatment against Helicobacter pylori should be administered. This bacterium is a primary cause of gastric ulcers. With proper treatment, gastric ulcers generally heal within six to eight weeks. During the treatment period, dietary considerations are crucial; it is important to consume easily digestible foods and avoid fatty, rich, and hard-to-digest foods to aid in the recovery from gastric ulcers.

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Written by Wang Hui Jie

Gastroenterology

1min 17sec

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Symptoms of gastric ulcer

The clinical manifestations of stomach ulcers can vary from person to person. Some patients are asymptomatic and present to the clinic due to stomach bleeding or perforation. Generally, there are three main characteristics of peptic ulcers: First, they tend to be a chronic, recurrent condition. Second, they exhibit periodicity. Third, they have rhythmic manifestations. The primary symptom is periodic, rhythmic upper abdominal pain, often described as burning, dull, or bloating pain. This usually occurs in the upper abdomen, possibly on the left or right side, and typically manifests as post-meal pain. Nighttime pain is uncommon, and there may be localized tenderness. If the ulcer occurs in the pyloric canal, it may lack some of these typical symptoms. Post-meal intense pain is possible, and the effectiveness of medication is generally poor. This condition can easily lead to vomiting or pyloric obstruction and is also prone to perforation and bleeding. A minority of stomach ulcers may potentially become cancerous.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

59sec

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What medicine to take for gastric ulcer?

The stomach ulcers referred to here are generally benign gastric ulcers. The treatment plan should be determined based on whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, it is first important to develop good dietary and living habits, and then treat the symptoms, such as suppressing stomach acid, protecting the gastric mucosa, and increasing gastric motility. If there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, antibacterial treatment is needed. Typically, a triple or quadruple antibiotic therapy is used; a proton pump inhibitor plus two antibiotics constitute the triple therapy, and adding a bismuth agent constitutes the quadruple therapy. A course of treatment lasts for two weeks, which generally can eradicate the bacteria for a definitive cure. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a clinical doctor, according to specific conditions.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

58sec

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Is bleeding from a gastric ulcer serious?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the common complications of peptic ulcers. If gastric ulcers cause vomiting blood, it often indicates that the bleeding is not minor and the condition is generally severe. It is usually considered that when about 250-300mL of blood accumulates in the stomach, vomiting blood may occur. Clinically, if vomiting blood occurs, it is firstly necessary to promptly hospitalize for treatment, including establishing venous access, nutritional support, and hemostatic treatment. Proton pump inhibitors or somatostatin analogs are commonly used. Additionally, if the bleeding does not stop, endoscopic treatment can be performed, such as spraying hemostatic drugs, electrocoagulation, or mechanical hemostasis. It is also necessary to monitor the patient's vital signs. If repeated bleeding occurs, a comprehensive treatment plan may be needed.

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Written by Li Xue Qing

Gastroenterology

1min

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Complications of gastric ulcers

The main complications of gastric ulcers are fourfold: one is upper gastrointestinal bleeding; the second is perforation; the third is pyloric obstruction; the fourth is malignant transformation. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common complication of gastric ulcers. If a patient has experienced bleeding, there is a high likelihood of recurrence. Perforations mainly occur in elderly individuals. Pyloric obstruction is primarily caused by ulcers in the pyloric canal and pre-pyloric area. It is divided into mechanical obstruction and functional obstruction. Mechanical obstruction results from scarring after the ulcer heals, which narrows the pyloric opening. Functional obstruction is due to congestion and edema of the mucosa after the ulcer, causing relative narrowing of the pylorus. As for malignant transformation, it is still controversial, but it is generally believed to be around 1%-7%.