[Surgical anatomy of the vagus nerve]

In the paper are reviewed the data from the literature and the personal observations of the authors which indicate that the vagus nerve trunks have a mixed fiber structure, different from that indicated by the classical descriptions of the vagus nerves. A series of details are presented, concerning the radius of distribution of vagal emanations in the sub-diaphragmatic territory. Special stress is laid on the innervation of the surgical aspects are mentioned, and of pathological physiology, with theoretical implications, as well of practical importance for troncular vagotomy.