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An ambulant porcine model of acid reflux used to evaluate endoscopic gastroplasty
  1. S S Kadirkamanathana,
  2. E Yazakia,
  3. D F Evansa,
  4. C C Hepwortha,
  5. F Gongb,
  6. C P Swaina
  1. aGastrointestinal Science Research Unit, The London Hospital Medical College, London, UK, bDepartment of Medical Physics, University College, London, UK
  1. Dr C P Swain, Academic Department of Gastroenterology, The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, London E1 1BB, UK.

Abstract

BACKGROUND There is a lack of suitable models for testing of therapeutic procedures for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Endoscopic sewing methods might allow the development of a new less invasive surgical approach to treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

AIMS To develop an animal model of gastro-oesophageal reflux for testing the efficacy of a new antireflux procedure, endoscopic gastroplasty, performed at flexible endoscopy without laparotomy or laparoscopy.

METHODS At endoscopy a pH sensitive radiotelemetry capsule was sewn to the oesophageal wall, 5 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter, in six large white pigs. Ambulant pH recordings (48–96 hours; total 447 hours) were obtained. The median distal oesophageal pH was 6.8 (range 6.4–7.3); pH was less than 4 for 9.3% of the time. After one week, endoscopic gastroplasty was performed by placing sutures below the gastro-oesophageal junction, forming a neo-oesophagus of 1–2 cm in length. Postoperative manometry and pH recordings (24–96 hours; total 344 hours) were carried out.

RESULTS Following gastroplasty, the median sphincter pressure increased significantly from 3 to 6 mm Hg and in length from 3 to 3.75 cm. The median time pH was less than 4 decreased significantly from 9.3% to 0.2%.

CONCLUSIONS These are the first long term measurements of oesophageal pH in ambulant pigs. The finding of spontaneous reflux suggested a model for studying treatments of reflux. Endoscopic gastroplasty increased sphincter pressure and length and decreased acid reflux.

  • gastro-oesophageal reflux
  • endoscopic gastroplasty
  • manometry
  • Abbreviations

    GOR
    gastro-oesophageal reflux
    GORD
    gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
    LOS
    lower oesophageal sphincter
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  • Abbreviations

    GOR
    gastro-oesophageal reflux
    GORD
    gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
    LOS
    lower oesophageal sphincter
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