The Influence of Vagotomy on Bile Kinetics in the Rhesus Monkey

Abstract

An increased incidence of gallstones has been reported following truncal vagotomy and gastric drainage but never conclusively proven. In the Rhesus monkey, bile composition and flow is similar to man. A model of biliary drainage was established which permits continuous monitoring of bile kinetics. Following truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty, a significant fall in bile acid concentration was observed, accompanied by a rise in cholesterol concentration. This resulted in an overall rise in cholesterol saturation. Similar changes in hepatic bile composition were, however, also seen following pyloroplasty alone, and suggests that the vagotomy itself may not be the important factor in producing bile changes.

Differences in Gallbladder Bile Lithogenicity in Patients after Gastrectomy and Colectomy

“…bladder bile composition after gastrectomy and vagotomy have reported the increased cholesterol lithogenicity of gallbladder bile [8,9], whereas other have failed to prove this [10][11][12], We have shown that the type of gall bladder stones was brown pigment in 36%, black pigment in 32%, and cholesterol in 32% of 44 patients who had previously un dergone gastrectomy [13]. Nevertheless, most studies on gallbladder bile lithogenicity after gastrectomy and vagotomy have focused on the risk factors for cholesterol gallstone for mation.…”