What surgical treatment is a common choice for duodenal ulcers?

Vagotomy and pyloroplasty is a common surgical treatment choice for duodenal ulcers because it targets the underlying mechanisms that contribute to ulcer formation. A vagotomy involves cutting the vagus nerve, which innervates the stomach and helps regulate acid secretion. By doing this, the surgery decreases gastric acid production, which is one of the factors that can lead to ulcer development.

Pyloroplasty, which often accompanies vagotomy, facilitates gastric drainage. After vagotomy, the stomach may not empty as effectively, and pyloroplasty helps to alleviate this issue by enlarging the pylorus, the opening between the stomach and the duodenum. This two-step approach reduces acid production while improving the flow of gastric contents into the intestine, thereby promoting healing in the duodenum.

The other options do not address the ulcer issue as directly as vagotomy and pyloroplasty. Antrectomy and gastrectomy are more invasive procedures that involve removal of parts of the stomach, often reserved for more severe cases or when there are complications. Colostomy and enterostomy involve redirecting intestinal contents and are not relevant to the treatment of duodenal ulcers. Appendectomy and cholecystectomy relate to appendicitis and gallbladder