VAGOTOMY FOR IDIOPATHIC ULCERATIVE COLITIS AND REGIONAL ENTERITIS

Abstract

In November 1948 I reported the results of vagotomy in eight cases of idiopathic ulcerative colitis; this series represented a study1which was begun in 1946. To date I have performed vagotomies in 20 cases of idiopathic ulcerative colitis, 7 of which were associated with regional enteritis. One additional patient had a vagotomy performed for a fulminating mucous colitis, thus making a series totaling 21 cases. The results have been encouraging, and at present the series is being enlarged and studied further. In 1948, Dennis and associates2described their results in 28 cases of idiopathic ulcerative colitis in which vagotomy had been performed. They concluded that the condition responded favorably in most cases following division of the vagus nerves. Since their last published report 14 additional cases have been added to their series, making a total of 42 cases.3 One naturally assumes that before any form of