Besides the mortality rate the value of an operative procedure is measured against the incidence and the degree of undesirable postoperative sequelae. In the surgical treatment of gastroduo- denal ulcerations vagotomy is now competing with the success- fully established resection therapy. Since this latter method has been further developed during the last years and late results are rare, a comparison between both types of operation is difficult. Meritoriously, the authors have tried to perform a comprehensive analysis. Due to the complexity of postoperative syndromes the diagnostic procedure and treatment can be successful only after integrated cooperation by gastroenterologists and surgeons. This is documented by the current monograph which originates from a cooperation of several years and an active exchange of scientific will facilitate the indica- and practical experience. The monograph tion for the primary surgical procedure by critical confrontation of the postoperative syndromes and provide advice in treating postoperative complaints.
We hope that the monograph will have the expected impact, which means the spreading of the actual knowledge of post- gastrectomy and postvagotomy syndromes.