Duodenal ulcer treatment

Also known as: peptic ulcer treatment, stomach ulcer treatment

At The London Clinic we provide a private duodenal ulcer treatment service. One of our world class gastroenterologists will see you at our private state-of-the-art clinic near Harley Street. Why wait? Start your treatment journey today.

Easy access

Call us today to book an appointment

Fast referral

Get seen and treated within 14 days

What is it for?

Treatment and recovery from duodenal ulcers.

Duodenal ulcer treatment consultation at The London Clinic

At The London Clinic we offer the latest tests and treatments for duodenal ulcer recovery.

During your visit one of our highly experienced gastroenterologists will look after you and provide you with the most effective treatment and aftercare.

Research shows that 90% of duodenal ulcers are due to infection with Helicobater pylori bacteria.

H.pylori can cause open sores (ulcers) by weakening the protective mucus layer in your digestive system. As a result stomach acid can easily irritate and damage the wall lining further, causing an ulcer.

Long term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), like ibuprofen, can cause duodenal ulcers. If you have an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis your specialist may suggest alternative pain relief medication, or refer you to our centre for pain management for help.

If you have blood in your stools or pain that does not go away, your gastroenterologist may suggest a gastroscopy, so they can check your duodenum more closely.

By choosing The London Clinic, you’ll get a more compassionate and connected kind of care, from enhanced pre-admission through to aftercare and follow up.

Contact us today, so you can start your treatment journey and get back to the life you love.

FAQs

There are a number of symptoms that suggest you may have a duodenal ulcer including: 

  • Abdominal pain just below your breastbone that comes on a few hours after eating or during the night
  • Indigestion after eating spicy foods or coffee
  • Heartburn
  • Bloating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling sick or vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting blood
  • Blood in your stool

You can have a duodenal ulcer and have mild or no symptoms at all, so if you are unsure we are happy to help.

Your gastroenterologist can make a diagnosis from your symptoms and through 3 in-house tests.

  1. An H.pylori infection test may include a stool antigen test, urea breath test or blood test to check for H.pylori antibodies.
     
  2. Barium swallow (oesophagogram) tests are when a special type of X-ray called a fluoroscopy that allows your specialist to see your digestive tract moving in real time. It involves swallowing a chalky substance called barium that shows up on the X-ray.
     
  3. Gastroscopy is a 15 to 30 minute procedure that allows your specialist to see inside your digestive system in real time. 

    They can take a tissue sample (biopsy) or surgically seal any tears (perforations) in your duodenum. 

    With gastroscopy, your specialist can deliver medicine such as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) directly around the ulcer. 

Depending on your test results, your specialist may offer you a treatment plan that includes:

  • Antibiotics to eliminate H.pylori which causes 90% of duodenal ulcers.
     
  • Alternative pain medication such as paracetamol. This is if your duodenal ulcer is due to long term use of non-steroidal anti inflammatory medication (NSAIDS) such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin.
     
  • Antacid medication including proton pump inhibitors (PPI), such as omeprazole, to lower the amount of acid your stomach produces.
     
  • Surgery if your duodenal ulcer has split (perforated) the lining of your duodenum.

With the right treatment, you should recover from a duodenal ulcer in a month or two. 

If your ulcer is due to H.pylori, antibiotics will kill the bacteria and allow your ulcer to heal. After treatment, they rarely return.

Your care team may suggest a special diet to follow at home to help ease your symptoms while you recover.

If you have any concerns, your care team is available at all times to help and offer advice.

The side effects of duodenal ulcer treatment depends on what you have done. 

You’ll need to follow the advice of your specialist and care team on how to take any medications such as antibiotics or PPIs. 

If you take medication to treat your duodenal ulcer, they will have a patient information leaflet in the pack that details their side effects.

Surgery for your duodenal ulcer may make you feel tired or cause pain as wounds take time to heal.

At The London Clinic we will provide pain medication and an overnight stay if needed.

At The London Clinic, the gastroenterologists who treat duodenal ulcers are world leaders in their field. 

Throughout your treatment your dedicated care team will look after you and make sure you have everything you need.

If you need an investigative procedure it will take place in one of our comfortable state-of-the-art endoscopy theatres near Harley Street.

To make you feel more comfortable while you’re with us, we offer extra touches like a personalised food menu and concierge service.

Once you’re ready to leave The London Clinic, we’ll give you advice to follow to make sure you recover safely at home. 

If you need transportation home after the procedure, we can arrange a taxi for you.

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We offer Fixed Price Packages

Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
  • Pre-op assessment
  • Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
  • Tests, scans and physio during your stay
  • Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
  • Post-op follow-up appointments
  • Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
  • Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
  • Initial consultation and any tests done during it
  • Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
  • Physio or therapy before or after your stay
  • Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
  • Specialist medication beyond 5 days
  • Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics

Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions

Timeline

At The London Clinic, you’ll get fast access to any tests, scans and treatment you need without delay.

Book an appointment Consultation and diagnosisEnhanced pre-assessmentGastroscopy procedurePost-procedure care
Why choose The London Clinic?

Why choose The London Clinic?

Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.

The UK’s largest independent hospital

More patients choose The London Clinic than any other.

Top-rated by real patients

4.86/5 from over 1,600 reviews on Doctify and over 4.5 on Google.

Full intensive care on-site

World-class 13-bed ICU for expert support if your care becomes complex.

Investing in clinical excellence

Backed by Northwestern, we equip our teams with cutting-edge medical equipment.

0% Finance Options

We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.

If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.

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Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.