Duodenal 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.
Quick facts
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.
Treatment overview
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.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis
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.
- An H.pylori infection test may include a stool antigen test, urea breath test or blood test to check for H.pylori antibodies.
- 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.
- 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.