Long term results of truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty for gastric ulcer.

The results of truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty for gastric, prepyloric and combined ulcers in 215 patients were evaluated 9-15 years after operation. The operative mortality was 1.9 per cent, and the recurrence rates in gastric, prepyloric and combined ulcer patients were 8, 13 and 0 per cent respectively. Recurrent ulceration was significantly related to acid secretion. The functional results were not different in patients with gastric and prepyloric ulcers, but significantly better in the small group with combined ulcer than in the group with prepyloric ulcer. No long term weight changes were seen. Gastric cancer was the cause of death in 2 men and 1 woman treated for gastric ulcer.