Anterior lesser curvature laser seromyotomy with posterior truncal vagotomy: A potential treatment of peptic ulcer disease

Anterior lesser curvature seromyotomy combined with posterior truncal vagotomy has been suggested as an alternative to proximal gastric vagotomy in the treatment of peptic ulcer. The argon laser may be an ideal instrument for performing seromyotomy. This study compares anterior lesser curvature argon laser seromyotomy/posterior or truncal vagotomy with anterior proximal gastric vagotomy/posterior truncal vagotomy in a canine preparation. Six dogs underwent anterior lesser curvature argon laser seromyotomy/posterior truncal vagotomy and six others underwent anterior proximal gastric vagotomy/posterior truncal vagotomy. Gastric emptying and acid secretion studies were performed preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Operating time and blood loss were determined. Anterior lesser curvature argon laser seromyotomy was performed with the argon laser at 10 W, continuous, delivered through a 600 μm unsheathed quartz fibre. Anterior proximal gastric vagotomy and posterior truncal vagotomy were performed in the standard fashion. Solid phase gastric emptying was slowed with both operations (P