Definition

A surgical procedure that involves cutting the vagus nerve to reduce stomach acid production and help treat certain digestive issues.

Example

The doctor recommended a vagotomy to help manage the patient's severe duodenal ulcer.

Conversation

Have you heard about the procedure called vagotomy?

Yeah, I think it's something to do with the stomach, right?

Exactly! It helps reduce acid secretion for people with ulcers.

That sounds interesting, but I wonder how effective it really is.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Vagotomy is formed from "vagus" (from Latin, meaning wandering) and "-tomy" (from Greek "tomia", meaning cutting). The term refers to the surgical procedure of cutting the vagus nerve, which is associated with various bodily functions.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'wandering' nature of the vagus nerve and how 'cutting' it relates to the surgical procedure of vagotomy.

Visually Confused Words