Effect of antroneurolysis on gastric secretion in dogs with total gastric fistula

The operation of antroneurolysis is performed by circumferential sharp dissection in the submucosal plane of the entire gastric antrum, which severs the vagal nerve‐supply to the antral mucosa. It might thus be regarded as a conservative variant of antrectomy, the purpose of which is to diminish gastrin release without disturbing antral peristalsis or the mechanism of the pylorus. Its possible value as an adjunct to highly selective vagotomy in man is evaluated in this study in the dog. The antroneurolysed antrum was left in continuity with the remainder of the stomach whose vagal nerve‐supply remained intact. Gastric secretion was collected via a cannula or fistula draining the whole stomach. Outputs of acid and pepsin in response to insulin, pentagastrin, meat extract, and acetylcholine were found to be undiminished after antroneurolysis. It is concluded that antroneurolysis has no place at present in clinical gastric surgery.