[The anatomical basis and sources of error of selective and supraselective gastric vagotomies (author's transl)].

An anatomical study, based essentially upon 38 dissections of formol-preserved specimens, was used to identify the different characteristics of the vagus nerve which might have an influence on different vagotomy techniques. The arrangement of the different vagal structures (principal and accessory) at the oesophageal orifice is described in full. The most criminal branches are pointed out with particular emphasis. Distribution branches unknown or poorly known up to the present have been demonstrated. The principal nerves of the lesser curvature and their endings are reviewed in the context of supraselective vagotomy. The discussion emphasis the most important anatomical details relevant to the achievement of adequate supraselective vagotomy.