Post-vagotomy diarrhea: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Gray793.png|thumb| | | name = Post-vagotomy diarrhea | ||
| image = [[File:Gray793.png|left|thumb|Diagram of the stomach and surrounding organs]] | |||
| caption = Diagram of the stomach and surrounding organs | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Diarrhea]], [[abdominal pain]], [[bloating]] | |||
| complications = [[Dehydration]], [[electrolyte imbalance]] | |||
| onset = After [[vagotomy]] | |||
| duration = Can be [[chronic (medicine)|chronic]] | |||
| causes = [[Vagotomy]] | |||
| risks = [[Vagotomy]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[stool analysis]] | |||
| differential = [[Dumping syndrome]], [[irritable bowel syndrome]] | |||
| treatment = [[Dietary modification]], [[antidiarrheal]] medications | |||
| medication = [[Loperamide]], [[cholestyramine]] | |||
| frequency = Common after [[vagotomy]] | |||
}} | |||
'''Post-vagotomy diarrhea''' is a condition that can occur after a [[vagotomy]], a surgical procedure where the [[vagus nerve]] is cut to reduce acid secretion in the treatment of [[peptic ulcer disease]]. This condition is characterized by frequent, watery bowel movements and can significantly affect the quality of life of patients who have undergone this surgery. | '''Post-vagotomy diarrhea''' is a condition that can occur after a [[vagotomy]], a surgical procedure where the [[vagus nerve]] is cut to reduce acid secretion in the treatment of [[peptic ulcer disease]]. This condition is characterized by frequent, watery bowel movements and can significantly affect the quality of life of patients who have undergone this surgery. | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
The [[vagus nerve]] plays a crucial role in the regulation of [[gastric motility]] and [[gastric acid secretion]]. When the vagus nerve is severed, there is a disruption in the normal coordination of the [[gastrointestinal tract]], leading to rapid gastric emptying and increased intestinal motility. This can result in diarrhea as the intestines do not have sufficient time to absorb water from the chyme. | The [[vagus nerve]] plays a crucial role in the regulation of [[gastric motility]] and [[gastric acid secretion]]. When the vagus nerve is severed, there is a disruption in the normal coordination of the [[gastrointestinal tract]], leading to rapid gastric emptying and increased intestinal motility. This can result in diarrhea as the intestines do not have sufficient time to absorb water from the chyme. | ||
== Clinical features == | == Clinical features == | ||
Patients with post-vagotomy diarrhea typically present with: | Patients with post-vagotomy diarrhea typically present with: | ||
* Frequent, watery stools | * Frequent, watery stools | ||
* Abdominal cramping | * Abdominal cramping | ||
* Urgency to defecate | * Urgency to defecate | ||
* Possible [[dehydration]] if diarrhea is severe | * Possible [[dehydration]] if diarrhea is severe | ||
The symptoms can vary in intensity and may be influenced by dietary factors and the extent of the vagotomy. | The symptoms can vary in intensity and may be influenced by dietary factors and the extent of the vagotomy. | ||
== Management == | == Management == | ||
Management of post-vagotomy diarrhea involves both dietary modifications and pharmacological interventions. Patients are often advised to: | Management of post-vagotomy diarrhea involves both dietary modifications and pharmacological interventions. Patients are often advised to: | ||
* Eat smaller, more frequent meals | * Eat smaller, more frequent meals | ||
* Avoid foods that exacerbate symptoms, such as high-fat or spicy foods | * Avoid foods that exacerbate symptoms, such as high-fat or spicy foods | ||
* Increase dietary fiber intake to help solidify stools | * Increase dietary fiber intake to help solidify stools | ||
Pharmacological treatments may include: | Pharmacological treatments may include: | ||
* [[Antidiarrheal agents]] such as loperamide | * [[Antidiarrheal agents]] such as loperamide | ||
* [[Bile acid sequestrants]] if bile acid malabsorption is suspected | * [[Bile acid sequestrants]] if bile acid malabsorption is suspected | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for post-vagotomy diarrhea varies. Some patients experience a reduction in symptoms over time as the body adapts to the changes in gastrointestinal function. However, others may continue to experience symptoms long-term and require ongoing management. | The prognosis for post-vagotomy diarrhea varies. Some patients experience a reduction in symptoms over time as the body adapts to the changes in gastrointestinal function. However, others may continue to experience symptoms long-term and require ongoing management. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Vagotomy]] | * [[Vagotomy]] | ||
* [[Peptic ulcer disease]] | * [[Peptic ulcer disease]] | ||
* [[Gastrointestinal tract]] | * [[Gastrointestinal tract]] | ||
* [[Gastric motility]] | * [[Gastric motility]] | ||
[[Category:Gastroenterology]] | [[Category:Gastroenterology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:46, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Post-vagotomy diarrhea | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating |
| Complications | Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance |
| Onset | After vagotomy |
| Duration | Can be chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Vagotomy |
| Risks | Vagotomy |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, stool analysis |
| Differential diagnosis | Dumping syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Dietary modification, antidiarrheal medications |
| Medication | Loperamide, cholestyramine |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common after vagotomy |
| Deaths | N/A |
Post-vagotomy diarrhea is a condition that can occur after a vagotomy, a surgical procedure where the vagus nerve is cut to reduce acid secretion in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. This condition is characterized by frequent, watery bowel movements and can significantly affect the quality of life of patients who have undergone this surgery.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in the regulation of gastric motility and gastric acid secretion. When the vagus nerve is severed, there is a disruption in the normal coordination of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to rapid gastric emptying and increased intestinal motility. This can result in diarrhea as the intestines do not have sufficient time to absorb water from the chyme.
Clinical features[edit]
Patients with post-vagotomy diarrhea typically present with:
- Frequent, watery stools
- Abdominal cramping
- Urgency to defecate
- Possible dehydration if diarrhea is severe
The symptoms can vary in intensity and may be influenced by dietary factors and the extent of the vagotomy.
Management[edit]
Management of post-vagotomy diarrhea involves both dietary modifications and pharmacological interventions. Patients are often advised to:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid foods that exacerbate symptoms, such as high-fat or spicy foods
- Increase dietary fiber intake to help solidify stools
Pharmacological treatments may include:
- Antidiarrheal agents such as loperamide
- Bile acid sequestrants if bile acid malabsorption is suspected
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for post-vagotomy diarrhea varies. Some patients experience a reduction in symptoms over time as the body adapts to the changes in gastrointestinal function. However, others may continue to experience symptoms long-term and require ongoing management.
