A clinical and socio-medical investigation of patients 5 years after surgical treatment for duodenal ulcer. I. Behavioural consequences and psychological symptoms

Within the framework of the Aarhus County Vagotomy Trial a socio-medical interview investigation was performed. Ninety-one patients were asked to participate. Half of the patients had an ulcer history of more than 15 years. One fifth had experienced preoperative complications. Thirty-nine per cent of the patients showed changes in social activity according to Patrick's grading. Within work and leisure time significant improvements had taken place. Most of the patients with paid work were characterized by a high degree of satisfaction, conscientiousness, and stability at work. Symptoms indicating psychological impairment were commoner among the patients than in the background population. No accumulation of tobacco or alcohol abuse was found. The consumption of medicine was rather high. During the period of observation a decrease in the consumption of ulcer drugs, but not in other drugs, was noted. The frequency of sick days was rather high. The rate of consultations at the general practitioner did not differ from what would be expected. It is suggested that surgical cure of an ulcer only has some impact on the total life situation of the patients and that non-specific psychological symptoms in some patients may invalidate the overall result of treatment.