Question:
Does anyone know how a vagotomy keeps ulcers from forming?

I have learned from this site that ulcers are relatively common after WLS, and that a vagotomy can greatly reduce the risks. I am curious how this happens and also why more surgeons wouldn't go ahead and perform this procedure? My surgeon never said anything about it, so I assume it is not part of his routine, in the same way that he routinely removes the gall bladder if you still have it. Thanks, Kim    — Kim D. (posted on March 9, 2001)

March 9, 2001
I believe they cut a nerve that controls the amount of acid that builds up in the stomach. I'm not doctor, but this is what I've read. I sure wish my doctor would go ahead and do it, but I think most doctors don't until you have lots of trouble because it's difficult and dangerous.
   — Amy K.

March 9, 2001
My surgeon, Dr. Michael Howell of Fargo, ND, regularly performs a vagotomy on all his RNY patients. It is the cutting of two nerves to the 'old' stomach which drastically reduces the production of stomach acid -- to lower our risk of getting an ulcer in the 'old' stomach from a 20% chance to only a 1% chance. I've learned, from another source, that many surgeons do not do this procedure because it is extremely complicated and requires a high degree of expertise. I can tell you that my surgeon is a founding member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery, he has been involved in the development of gastric bypass surgery since 1975, he is board certified and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons. He served as Chief of Surgery at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo from 1991-1997. And, in addition to obesity surgery, he performs all operations that come under the specialty of general surgery.
   — Cindy H.