| Abstract: | Abstract: Since 1978, we performed endoscopic examinations of the upper gastrointestinal tract in trainees before and after ranger training to study the relationship between the training program and the occurrence of acute gastrointestinal disease. Since 1987, the H2 blocker famotidine has been administered to all ranger trainees as a prophylaxis against stress ulceration. In the 617 subjects studied, the following conditions were detected following the completion of the training: gastric ulcers occurred in 42 subjects (6.8%), duodenal ulcers occurred in 27 subjects (4.4%), and gastroduodenal ulcers occurred in six subjects (1%). Ulcers occurred in 41 out of 421 trainees (9. 7%) during the nine years between 1978 and 1986. Since 1987, however, ulcers have occurred in only seven out of 196 trainees (3.6%). |
