Effect of truncal vagotomy on the bacterial flora in the duodenal juice on dogs.

The qualitative and quantitative changes in the bacterial flora of the duodenal juice after truncal vagotomy have been studied in self-control experiments in dogs. The intervention was followed by a rise in the bacterial count without a change in qualitative composition. It is suggested that the accumulation of microorganisms might contribute to the development of postoperative diarrhoea. The role of several partly clarified pathophysiological processes are pointed out.