Why isn vagotomy, the surgical severing of the vagus nerves, an accepted means of controlling obesity?
Since vagotomy is a surgical procedure that permanently alters the anatomy and function of the nerve and is therefore not adjustable or reversible, vagotomy has not proven to be an optimal approach, especially since the effects of surgical vagotomy appear to be temporary in some cases. The body is usually able to compensate for the anatomical disruption, making accommodations by “re-regulating” to normal function. Therefore, intermittent blocking of the vagus nerve which is designed to prevent the nervous system and digestive organs from compensating for any changes in bodily functions using laparoscopically implanted electrodes was identified by EnteroMedics as one of the critical steps in utilizing the vagus nerve in the potential management of obesity. Is VBLOC Therapy the first obesity therapy under clinical evaluation to regulate or block the vagus nerves? Yes. While attempts have been made to control weight loss through cutting or stimulation of the vagus nerves, VBLOC Therapy is
