I am trying truncal vagotomy using an hepatic approach in mice.
The esophagus and vagal hepatic branch were secured for surgery (Fig. 1).
But, I don't know to what level I need to dissect the esophagus for truncal vagotomy.
Fig. 2 shows the removal of the nerves connected upwards from the vagal hepatic branch.
Fig. 3 shows more dissection of the esophagus.
Should I stop at the level of Fig. 2 for vagotomy?
Looking for advice from experienced people.
With many thanks,
I assume you are attempting a full subdiaphragmatic (truncal) vagotomy.
Remember there are 2 vagus nerves that follow down the esophagus.
Left and right vagus nerves become ventral and dorsal on the esophagus serosa and course caudally as they pass below the diaphragm so that they are completely dorsal and ventral when they innervate the stomach. If you cauterize the distal and proximal cut vagal ends they are less likely to regrow and reconnect if you are keeping the mice for a long time.
Why don't you start high at the oesophagus. You easily will find the vagus somewhat hidden next and deeper to it. Vagus branches can now easily be followed going downwards. Based on the branches leaving, you can decide where to cut. Be aware the idea that the vagus is one trunk is not true in several mammals (e.g. pig). So check high in the neck whether it is one trunk or whether it knows splitting up in several branches that unite later and split again. Succes.
Elwood K Walls Thanks for the advice.
As you said, I am attempting a full truncal vagotomy. Your advice has helped me understand the distribution of vagus nerves. As shown in Figure 3, I think I dissected both serosa and muscularis externa of the esophagus. I'll try to make sure that only the vagus nerve is properly excised from esophagus.