Anatomical variation and distribution of the vagus nerve in the esophageal hiatus: a cross-sectional study of post-mortem cases in Uganda.

The study confirmed high variability in the distribution of the vagus nerve at the esophageal hiatus, unrelated to gender differences. Surgeons must consider and identify variants of vagal innervation when carrying out surgery at the gastroesophageal junction to avoid accidental vagal injuries. Published surgical techniques for preserving vagal function are valid in Uganda.