In order to perform a vagotomy (the surgical section of vagal nerve trunks) for the purpose of decreasing acid secretion by stomach mucosa cells in patients with peptic ulcers, a surgeon must identify and cut the gastric branches while preserving vagal innervation to other abdominal organs. Where should the surgeon search for these branches in relation to the stomach?

A) Above the stomach
B) Below the stomach
C) To the left of the stomach
D) To the right of the stomach