Do You Need Surgery for a Stomach Ulcer?

Understanding the Role of Surgery in Stomach Ulcer Treatment

In recent years, significant advancements in medical science have dramatically reduced the need for surgical intervention in treating peptic ulcers. In fact, most stomach ulcers can now be effectively managed through non-surgical, conservative treatments under the guidance of a gastroenterologist.

However, there are specific situations where surgery may become necessary:

1. Perforation of the Digestive Tract

If an ulcer erodes through the wall of the stomach or small intestine and causes a perforation, emergency surgery is often required. This condition can lead to severe abdominal pain and infection, especially when internal bleeding cannot be controlled with medication or endoscopic procedures.

2. Scar-Related Pyloric Obstruction

This occurs when chronic ulcers cause scarring that narrows or blocks the pylorus—the passage between the stomach and the small intestine. When this happens, food cannot pass through normally, and surgical correction may be needed to restore digestive function.

3. Suspicion or Confirmation of Malignancy

If a gastric ulcer is suspected of being cancerous or if biopsy results confirm malignancy, surgical removal becomes a critical part of the treatment plan. In such cases, early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

Thanks to rapid developments in gastrointestinal surgical techniques, modern procedures have become far less invasive than in the past. Traditional open surgeries have largely been replaced by laparoscopic methods, and more recently, by robotic-assisted procedures like those performed using the Da Vinci Surgical System. These innovations result in smaller incisions, reduced recovery times, and fewer postoperative complications.

For patients without serious complications, visiting a gastroenterology outpatient clinic and following a personalized medication regimen is usually sufficient to heal the ulcer completely. That said, any decision regarding surgery should always be made in consultation with your primary physician or specialist, who can assess your individual condition and recommend the best course of action.