More than 6 million individuals in United Kingdom will suffer from an ulcer at some time in their life. Duodenal ulcers affect the upper part of the small intestine. This type of ulcer accounts for about 80% of peptic ulcers,occurs mostly in males between ages 20 and 50,and follows a chronic course of remissions and exacerbations. About 5% to 10% of patients develop complications that make surgery necessary.