Final answer:
Surgery for gastric ulcers is required in emergency situations, specifically when a perforated ulcer leads to peritonitis. This complication must be treated surgically to repair the stomach wall.
Step-by-step explanation:
Surgery for gastric ulcers is performed when there is an emergency situation, such as a perforation (hole) in the stomach wall that leads to peritonitis, which is the inflammation of the peritoneal lining. Perforated ulcers pose a serious health risk and must be remedied through surgical intervention. Peptic ulcers, which include gastric ulcers, are commonly treated with a combination of antibiotics, to address the H. pylori bacteria, and medications that reduce stomach acid to aid healing. However, when these treatments fail or in the case of significant complications like a perforation, surgery becomes necessary.