Title: War Surgery and Medicine

Author: Stout, T. Duncan M.

Publication details: Historical Publications Branch, 1954, Wellington

Part of: The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–1945

This text is the subject of: ‘Something of Them Is Here Recorded’: Official History in New Zealand

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Response to Treatment

The ulcer cases lost their symptoms a few days after the commencement of treatment, and were then given four to six weeks' rest and diet with alkalies, belladonna, and olive oil. Sixty-eight per cent were subsequently returned to New Zealand. The remainder, since they already held a position at the Base as clerk, doctor, quartermaster, or hospital orderly, were regraded II and retained in the overseas force provided they could look after themselves. All of these Grade II men managed satisfactorily at least during the succeeding nine months.

‘Ulcer like’ dyspeptics in most cases responded to four to six weeks' gastric regime, though a number relapsed when returned to ordinary diet. One probable case of gastritis recovered after his antrum had been drained, and denture fitted, and his stomach lavaged daily for three weeks.

The type of case in which fatigue and general debility played an important part responded well to ten days' rest and light diet, followed by a change of surroundings at a convalescent depot.

The nervous cases were retained in hospital for a short time only, since prolonged hospitalisation led to further introspection and neurosis. After ten to fourteen days' rest, with sedatives, explanation, and encouragement, and if necessary two to three weeks at a convalescent depot, an attempt was made to return the nervous dyspeptic to his unit—if he had not previously been in hospital for the same complaint. The dietetic aspect was not stressed in these cases, for it had little influence on their well-being.