Coeliac and hepatic nerve function following selective vagotomy

In the intact patient insulin hypoglycaemia increases the output of amylase and bile-acids despite the exclusion of acid from the duodenum. This effect is abolished by truncal vagotomy. After selective vagotomy a partial response from the pancreas occurs consistent with preservation of a direct route in the coeliac nerve and the loss of vagally released pancreatic secretagogues. A similar effect in the biliary system could not be demonstrated.