A major operation to remove the whole or part of the STOMACH. Total gastrectomy is a rarely performed operation, usually for cancer of the stomach; the OESOPHAGUS is then connected to the DUODENUM. Partial gastrectomy very occasionally still done if a patient with a peptic ulcer has failed to respond to treatment with H₂-blocking drugs (see CIMETIDINE; RANITIDINE) along with antibiotics to combat Helicobacter pylori. Partial gastrectomy is usually accompanied by VAGOTOMY, which involves cutting the VAGUS nerve controlling acid secretion in the stomach.