What surgical procedure is commonly performed to treat duodenal ulcers?

The procedure that is commonly performed to treat duodenal ulcers is vagotomy and pyloroplasty. This surgical intervention involves cutting the vagus nerve, which is responsible for stimulating gastric acid secretion. By severing this nerve, the production of stomach acid can be reduced, which helps to promote healing of duodenal ulcers and prevent their recurrence.

Pyloroplasty is often performed alongside vagotomy to facilitate gastric drainage. This involves enlarging the opening from the stomach into the duodenum, allowing for easier passage of food and reducing the risk of obstruction. Together, these procedures address both the cause of the ulcers through acid reduction and the symptoms related to gastric emptying.

In contrast, fundoplication is primarily used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, while cholecystectomy involves the removal of the gallbladder, and appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. None of these procedures target the underlying issues associated with duodenal ulcers like vagotomy and pyloroplasty do.