Over a period of 7 years, 100 patients (70 males and 30 females; mean age 66 years) were operated for digestive tract haemorrhage originating in an ulcer. There was a past history of ulcer in 21% and 29% had been taking drugs known to have a toxic effect on the stomach. Patent bleeding was observed by endoscopy in 32% with clear arterial flow, or a visible vessel in 10. In 20 patients a fresh clot was observed. Surgery had been indicated for massive haemorrhage in 25 cases, for persistent bleeding in 27, for recurrent bleeding in 37 and due to a visible vessel in 11. Conservative treatment was possible in three-fourths of the cases. Gastrectomy was performed in 26. Follow-up was uneventful in 55. There were 18 cases with complications and 27 deaths factors leading to fatal outcome and the data reported in the literature were analyzed.