The long-term effects of retrograde liberated highly selective vagotomy in treatment of duodenal ulcer

Objective: To evaluate the long-term effects of retrograde liberated highly selective vagotomy (RLHSV) in the treatment of duodenal ulcer.

Methods: Seventy patients with duodenal ulcers complicated by stenosis, bleeding, or perforation were operated on by retrograde liberated highly selective vagotomy. Among these patients, 61 had perforated duodenal ulcers, 6 bleeding and 3 stenosis.

Results: Followed up for 30 to 120 months in 65 patients showed a recurrence rate 7.69% and no hemorrhage occurs. According to the modified Visick grading system, 56 patients (86.2%) were of Visick I, 4 (6.1%) of Visick II, 2 (3.0%) Visick III, 3 (4.6%) Visick IV, and (92.3%) Visick I or II.

Conclusions: This modified procedure is rapid, easy and radical operation with excellent long-term results. It can be considered an effective alternative for the treatment of duodenal ulcer with complication.