Introduction:

The treatment of duodenal peptic ulcer (DPU) has radically changed over the last 50 years due to success of medical treatment. However, surgery still has an important role in the treatment of duodenal ulcer; and with this, vagotomy.

Objective:

To describe the origin and evolution of highly selective vagotomy (HSV), as well as its role in the surgical treatment of DPU.

Material and Methods:

We reviewed the bibliography published during the last 50 years in relation to highly selective vagotomy (HSV). The data used were obtained from the search carried out in Clincal Key, Pumed, Google, Scopus and Scielo databases during the period 1970-2020.

Development:

Highly Selective Vagotomy was first performed in humans by Holle and Hart in 1967. Later, their results were informed by Johnston and Wilkinson and Amdrup and Jensen in 1970, preserving the pylorus. The only weakness attributed to HSV is a higher ulcer recurrence rate; however, mortality and morbidity are minimal, so it is the intervention of choice for intractable or complicated duodenal ulcers.

Conclusions:

Because of the decline in the need for surgical management, fewer surgeons are trained and and have enough experince to perform this technically challenging surgery, which has been the main factor associated with higher recurrence rates. However, we consider that HSV has a current relevance when it is performed by trained and experienced surgeons.

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