[Duodenal ulcer: value of truncal vagotomy through thoracoscopy]

The authors report 21 cases of chronic duodenal ulcer treated by truncal vagotomy performed thoracoscopy. A description of the technique is presented. Mean feeding after surgery was 1.6 days. Mean hospital stay was 4.6 days (2-9). All patients were reviewed one month later by endoscopy and/or X Ray. There was no diarrhea or gastric outlet obstruction in this preliminary study.