Laparoscopic vagotomy. Gimmick or reality?

The use of H2 blockers has led to a virtual demise of elective surgery for the treatment of duodenal ulcers. Some ulcers, however, are resistant to medications, and some patients are weary of continuous medication in the long term. Laparoscopic vagotomy is a promising new form of surgical treatment that could offer an alternative to long-term medication and major open abdominal surgery. Prospective well-documented and detailed studies are needed, however, before an objective evaluation of this procedure can be made.