[Pre and postoperative secretion studies in selective proximal vagotomy. Report on 50 patients]

In 50 patients with peptic ulcer (48 duodenal ulcers and 2 pyloric channel ulcers) proximal gastric vagotomy was performed. The diagnosis was confirmed by radiology and endoscopy in all cases. Pentagastrin-stimulated maximal acid output (MAO) was measured preoperatively. At 6-12 months after the operation a pentagastrin test (6 mug/kg) and an insulin test (12 units regular insulin intravenously) were carried out. The results of the insulin tests were assessed by 5 criteria. In patients with 3 or more positive criteria the vagotomy was considered incomplete. 30 patients had "complete" and 20 "incomplete" vagotomy. MAO was reduced by 56%. The mean reduction of MAO was 63% in cases of "complete" vagotomy and 46.5% in "incomplete" vagotomy. The purpose and indication of postoperative studies of gastric secretion are discussed.