Psychological Factors Predictive of Surgical Success in Patients with Intractable Duodenal Ulcer

Abstract

A relatively simple interview technique was developed and validated which predicts the outcome of surgical intervention in patients with intractable duodenal ulcer. A scored interview guide provides a quantitative basis on which to base clinical opinion. Evidence for the validity of the interview guide is presented in two studies, one postdictive and the other truly predictive. When the recommended cut-off scores are used, the scale demonstrates high predictive value.