Etymed
vagotomy
Definition
surgical cutting or division of the vagus nerve
Clinical context
A 45-year-old man presents with a history of peptic ulcer disease that has failed medical therapy. He undergoes a vagotomy to treat his recurrent ulcers. Postoperatively, he develops delayed gastric emptying and dumping syndrome. The patient's symptoms are attributed to the disruption of parasympathetic innervation to the stomach. Which nerve was surgically divided in this patient's procedure?
Mnemonic
VAGOTOMY = Vagus nerve division for peptic ulcer disease treatment