complications

Last reviewed 01/2018

The main complications of peptic ulceration are:

• gastrointestinal bleeding - occurs in 25% to 33% of cases and accounts for 25% of ulcer deaths. Haemorrhage arises from the small blood vessels at the base of the ulcer. Uncommonly, it may be the initial presentation of a peptic ulcer.
• perforation and penetration into adjacent structures - pancreas, liver and retroperitoneal space.
• gastric outflow obstruction / pyloric stenosis:
• reversible - from oedema and spasm
• irreversible - from cicatrical stenosis

Milk alkali syndrome may develop in long standing duodenal ulcer relieved by milk.

Malignant transformation has been reported in gastric ulcers but it is more likely that such "ulcers" were malignant in their inception.