Treatment of bleeding peptic ulcer by bilateral truncal vagotomy via a transpleural thoracoscopic approach and laparoscopic pyloromyotomy.

Six cases of recurrent bleeding duodenal ulcer were treated by bilateral truncal vagotomy via a right transpleural thoracoscopic approach and laparoscopic pyloromyotomy at Tainan Municipal Hospital. The vagus nerves were completely transected, which was proved by pathology. Basal acid output and insulin-stimulated maximum acid output were reduced by 68%-77% and 87%-92%, respectively, after vagotomy. On the other hand, there was no delay in gastric emptying on the basis of either patients' complaints or an upper gastrointestinal series of x-rays. Transpleural thoracoscopic bilateral truncal vagotomy and laparoscopic pyloromyotomy are safe, effective and offer more complete transection of the vagus nerves in treatment of complicated peptic ulcer. In addition, this new technique provides shorter hospitalization and an earlier convalescence.