What type of surgical procedure is vagotomy?

Vagotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting the vagus nerve, which is responsible for stimulating the stomach and other digestive organs. This procedure is often performed to reduce acid secretion in the stomach, particularly in cases of peptic ulcers. By severing the nerve's connections, vagotomy can help decrease the stomach's production of gastric acid, reducing the likelihood of ulcer formation or recurrence.

This procedure contrasts with the other surgical options listed. Removal of the gallbladder, for example, is known as cholecystectomy, and is unrelated to vagotomy as it focuses on the biliary system. Resection of nerves does not accurately describe vagotomy since it specifically targets the vagus nerve rather than general nerve removal. Repairing a hernia pertains to reconstructing the anatomy to prevent obstruction or strangulation in abdominal tissues, which is a different type of intervention altogether. Lastly, creating an anastomosis involves connecting two tubular structures, such as intestines, which does not relate to the function or outcome of a vagotomy.

Therefore, the identification of vagotomy as a procedure involving resection of the vagus nerves accurately represents its purpose and mechanism in the management of gastrointestinal disorders.