Vagotomy

What is the purpose of a vagotomy?

 In practice, a vagotomy usually means cutting one of the branches of your vagus nerve that communicates with your stomach. It's done to reduce stomach acid secretion. This extreme intervention is reserved for especially severe cases of peptic ulcer disease.

What is the principle of vagotomy?

Vagotomy was a way to reduce the acidity of the stomach, by denervating the parietal cells that produce acid. This was done with the hope that it would treat or prevent peptic ulcers. It also had the effect of reducing or eliminating symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in those who suffered from it.

Who performs vagotomy?

A vagotomy is usually performed under general anesthesia by a gastrointestinal surgeon as an open or laparoscopic surgery.