Proximal gastric vagotomy. Initial experience.

Proximal gastric vagotomy was performed in 223 patients with chronic duodenal ulceration between 1973 and 1977. The follow-up ranged from 6 to 78 months with a mean of 39 months. There was no operative mortality. Adverse postoperative sequelae, including delayed gastric emptying, dumping, diarrhea, and reflux gastritis, were seen in less than 3% of patients. Ulcers recurred in 11 patients (4.9%). We conclude that proximal gastric vagotomy is an effective, safe, and satisfactory operation for chronic duodenal ulcer over the short term.