Fulminant peptic ulcer disease in cardiac surgical patients

Abstract

The development of complications of postoperative peptic ulcers following cardiac surgery correlates with age, need for reoperation, and hypoperfusion, but not with the use of prophylactic regimens to suppress acid secretion. These results suggest that impairment of gastric and duodenal mucosal defense mechanisms is a critical factor in the development of postoperative peptic ulcers.