Vagotomy

Definition
Purpose
Demographics
Description
Diagnosis/Preparation
Aftercare
Risks
Normal results
Morbidity and mortality rates
Alternatives

Definition

Vagotomy is the surgical cutting of the vagus nerve to reduce acid secretion in the stomach.

Purpose

The vagus nerve trunk splits into branches that go to different parts of the stomach. Stimulation from these branches causes the stomach to produce acid. Too much stomach acid leads to ulcers that may eventually bleed and create an emergency situation.

A vagotomy is performed when acid production in the stomach can not be reduced by other means. The purpose of the procedure is to disable the acid-producing capacity of the stomach. It is used when ulcers in the stomach and duodenum do not respond to medication and changes in diet. It is an appropriate surgery when there are ulcer complications, such as obstruction of digestive flow, bleeding, or perforation. The frequency with which elective vagotomy is performed has decreased in the past 20 years as it has become clear that the primary cause of ulcers is an infection by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. Drugs have become increasingly effective in treating ulcers. However, the number of vagotomies performed in emergency situations has remained about the same.

A vagotomy procedure is often performed in conjunction with another gastrointestinal surgery, such as partial removal of the stomach (antrectomy or subtotal gastrectomy ).

KEY TERMS

Duodenum— The section of the small intestine closest to the stomach.

Gastric glands— Branched tubular glands located in the stomach.

Gastric ulcer— An ulcer of the stomach, duodenum, or other part of the gastrointestinal system. Also called a peptic ulcer.

Latarjet’s nerve— Terminal branch of the anterior vagal trunk, which runs along the lesser curvature of the stomach.

Parietal cells— Cells of the gastric glands that secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor.

Peristalsis— The rhythmic contractions that move material through the bowel.

Pyloroplasty— Widening of the pyloric canal and any adjacent duodenal structure by means of a longitudinal incision.

Demographics

Gastric (peptic) ulcers are included under the general heading of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. GI disorders affect an estimated 25–30% of the world’s population. In the United States, 60 million adults experience gastrointestinal reflux at least once a month, and 25 million adults suffer daily from heartburn. Left untreated, these conditions often evolve into ulcers. Four million people have active peptic ulcers; about 350,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Four times as many duodenal ulcers as gastric ulcers are diagnosed. The first-degree relatives of patients with duodenal ulcer have a two to three times greater risk of developing duodenal ulcer. Relatives of gastric ulcer patients have a similarly increased risk of developing a gastric ulcer.

Description

A vagotomy can be performed using closed (laparoscopic) or open surgical technique. The indications for a laparoscopic vagotomy are the same as open vagotomy.

There are four basic types of vagotomy procedures:

• Truncal or total abdominal vagotomy. The main vagal trunks are divided, and surgery is accompanied by a drainage procedure, such as pyloroplasty.
• Selective (total gastric) vagotomy. The main vagal trunks are dissected to the point where the branch leading to the biliary tree divides, and there is a cut at the section of vagus close to the hepatic branch. This procedure is rarely indicated or performed.
• Highly selective vagotomy (HSV). HSV selectively deprives the parietal cells of vagal nerves, and reduces their sensitivity to stimulation and the release of acid. It does not require a drainage procedure. The branches of Latarjet’s nerve are divided from the esophagogastric junction to the crow’s foot along the lesser curvature of the stomach.
• Thoracoscopic vagotomy. Performed through the third, sixth, and seventh left intercostal spaces, the posterior vagus trunk is isolated, clipped, and a segment excised.

A vagotomy is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen and locates the vagus nerve. Either the trunk or the branches leading to the stomach are cut. The abdominal muscles are sewn back together, and the skin is closed with sutures.

Often, other gastrointestinal surgery is performed (e.g., part of the stomach may be removed) at the same time. Vagotomy causes a decrease in peristalsis, and a change in the emptying patterns of the stomach. To ease this, a pyloroplasty is often performed to widen the outlet from the stomach to the small intestine.

Diagnosis/Preparation

A gastroscopy and x rays of the gastrointestinal system determine the position and condition of the ulcer. Standard preoperative blood and urine tests are done. The patient discusses with the anesthesiologist any medications or conditions that might affect the administration of anesthesia.

Aftercare

Patients who have had a vagotomy stay in the hospital for about seven days. Nasogastric suctioning is required for the first three or four days. A tube is inserted through the nose and into the stomach. The stomach contents are then suctioned out. Patients eat a clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract regains function. When patients return to a regular diet, spicy and acidic foods should be avoided.

It takes about six weeks to fully recover from the surgery. The sutures that close the skin can be removed in seven to 10 days. Patients are encouraged to move around soon after the operation to prevent the formation of deep vein blood clots. Pain medication, stool softeners, and antibiotics may be prescribed following the operation.

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?

Patients who receive vagotomies are most often seen in emergency situations where bleeding and perforated ulcers require immediate intervention. A vagotomy is usually performed by a board-certified surgeon, either a general surgeon who specializes in gastrointestinal surgery or a gastrointestinal endoscopic surgeon. The procedure is performed in a hospital setting.

Risks

Standard surgical risks, such as excessive bleeding and infection, are potential complications. In addition, the emptying patterns of the stomach are changed. This can lead to dumping syndrome and diarrhea. Dumping syndrome is a condition in which the patient experiences palpitations, sweating, nausea, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea shortly after eating.

The following complications are also associated with vagotomy surgery:

• Gastric or esophageal perforation. May occur from an electrocautery injury or by clipping the branch of the nerve of Latarjet.
• Delayed gastric emptying. Most common after truncal and selective vagotomy, particularly if a drainage procedure is not performed.

People who use alcohol excessively, smoke, are obese, and are very young or very old are at higher risk for complications.

Normal results

Normal recovery is expected for most patients. Ulcers recur in about 10% of those who have vagotomy without stomach removal. Recurrent ulcers are also found in 2-3% of patients who have some portion of their stomach removed.

Morbidity and mortality rates

In the United States, approximately 3,000 deaths per year are due to duodenal ulcer and 3,000 to gastric ulcer. There has been a marked decrease in reported hospitalization and mortality rates for gastric ulcer.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• What are the possible complications involved in vagotomy surgery?
• What surgical preparation is needed?
• What type of anesthesia will be used?
• How is the surgery performed?
• How long is the hospitalization?
• How many vagotomies does the surgeon perform in a year?

Alternatives

The preferred short-term treatment for gastric ulcers is drug therapy. A recent review surveying medical articles published from 1977 to 1994 concluded that drugs such as cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, H2 blockers, and sucralfate were efficient, with ome-prazole considered the “gold standard” for active gastric ulcer treatment. Surgical intervention, however, is recommended for people who do not respond to medical therapy.

Resources

BOOKS

Ansolon, K. B. Developmental Technology of Gastrectomy & Vagotomy. Rockville, MD: Kabel Publishers, 1995.

Kral, J. Vagal Nerve Function. New York: Elsevier Science Ltd., 1984.

“Stomach and Duodenum.” In Current Surgical Diagnosis and Treatment, 10th ed. Edited by Lawrence W. Day. Stamford: Appleton & Lange, 1994.

PERIODICALS

Chang, T. M., D.C. Chan, Y.C. Liu, S.S. Tsou, and T. H. Chen. “Long-term Results of Duodenectomy with Highly Selective Vagotomy in the Treatment of Complicated Duodenal Ulcers.” American Journal of Surgery 181 (April 2001): 372–6.

Gilliam, A. D., W.J. Speake, and D. N. Lobo. “Current Practice of Emergency Vagotomy and Helicobacter Pylori Eradication for Complicated Peptic Ulcer in the United Kingdom.” British Journal of Surgery 90 (January 2003): 88–90.

Saindon, C. S., F. Blecha, T.I. Musch, D.A. Morgan, R.J. Fels, and M. J. Kenney. “Effect of Cervical Vagotomy on Sympathetic Nerve Responses to Peripheral Interleukin-lbeta.” Autonomic Neuroscience 87 (March 2001): 243–8.

ORGANIZATIONS

American College of Surgeons. 633 N. Saint Clair St., Chicago, IL 60611. (312) 202-5000. www.faacs.org.

Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons. 2716 Ocean Park Boulevard, Suite 3000, Santa Monica, CA 90405. (310) 314-2404. www.sages.org.

OTHER

“Laparoscopic Vagotomy.” SAGES web center.www.sages.org/primarycare/chapter19.html.

Tish Davidson, A.M.

Monique Laberge, Ph.D.

Valvuloplasty, balloon seeBalloon valvuloplasty

Varicose vein sclerotherapy seeSclerotherapy for varicose veins

Vascular study seeAngiography