Duodenal ulcer: its treatment by parietal cell vagotomy at the time of cardiovascular operation

F. L. Korompai, R. H. Hayward and P. H. Jordan

The existence of duodenal ulcer disease constitutes a potential threat during the recovery that follows any major operative procedure. At the time of cardiovascular operations, it would be desirable to treat the coexisting duodenal ulcer disease with a definitive ulcer operation if it could be done without entering the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, thereby eliminating the risk of graft contamination. Parietal cell vagotomy with pyloroplasty meets these conditions. During an 18-month period, 309 patients underwent cardiovascular procedures; ten underwent parietal cell vagotomy at the same time for treatment of duodenal ulcer. None of the patients experienced GI complications or the development of any other operative complications referable to the gastric procedure. Parietal cell vagotomy for active duodenal ulcer disease seems to be eminently suited as a companion for cardiovascular procedures that must be expedited.