Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

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Enhance your knowledge in General Surgery with our Sutures and Wound Repair test. Tackle multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations to ensure readiness for your exam!

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Why is vagotomy performed with partial gastrectomy for peptic ulcer disease?

To increase gastric motility
To decrease secretion of hydrochloric acid
To remove the ulcer
To promote wound healing

The correct answer is: To decrease secretion of hydrochloric acid

Vagotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in the regulation of gastric acid secretion. In the context of peptic ulcer disease, vagotomy is performed alongside partial gastrectomy to reduce the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The vagus nerve stimulates parietal cells in the gastric mucosa to secrete acid, and by severing this nerve, the secretion of hydrochloric acid is significantly decreased, which helps create a less acidic environment. This reduction in acidity can facilitate healing of existing ulcers and prevent the formation of new ones by decreasing the damaging effects of acid on the gastric lining. This choice directly addresses the pathophysiology of peptic ulcer disease, where excess acid contributes to ulcer formation. Other options like increasing gastric motility, removing the ulcer, or promoting wound healing do not align as closely with the primary intent and outcome of vagotomy in this specific surgical context.