Evolution of the need for operation for peptic pyloric stenosis over a period of 24 years (1976-1999)

Objective: To analyse the need for operation for pyloric stenosis caused by duodenal ulcer over a period of 24 years (1976–1999). Design: Retrospective study. Setting: University hospital, Spain. Subjects: 156 patients operated on for peptic pyloric stenosis. Main outcomes measures: The number of patients operated on yearly were grouped into 4‐year periods for statistical comparison. Results: The number of cases operated on each year steadily decreased between 1976 and 1999. In the 1988–1991 period there was a significant reduction (p < 0.05), which continued over the next two 4‐year periods, particularly the last (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Although we cannot use this study to establish a direct relation between the decrease in the indication for operations for peptic pyloric stenosis and the use of H2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, or treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, we did find a significance difference between the years before and after the introduction of these drugs. Copyright © 2001 Taylor and Francis Ltd.