An experimental study of parietal cell vagotomy with further graduated denervation of the antrum

In 4 groups of Heidenhain pouch (HP) dogs, the following operations were performed: (a) parietal cell vagotomy (PCV), (b) PCV with denervation of the proximal 2 cm of the antrum, (c) PCV with denervation of the proximal 4 cm of the antrum, and (d) PCV with denervation of the proximal 8 cm of the antrum. No significant differences in gastric emptying time, serum gastrin concentration, or HP acid secretion could be demonstrated between PCV and PCV with 2 cm denervation of the antrum. After 4 and 8 cm antral denervation, gastric stasis occurred, with significant increase in serum gastrin concentration and/or HP acid secretion. The study indicates that in dogs, preservation of the main terminal branches of the nerve of Latarjet is necessary to avoid severe disturbances in gastric emptying and motility.