Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of elevated intra-abdominal pressure
(IAP) on intestinal structures and bacterial translocation in the rat.
Materials and Methods: Forty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three
experimental groups of 14 rats each: the sham group underwent insertion of a balloon-tipped
catheter; the IAP-15 group was subjected to a 15 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum for 60 minutes; and
the IAP-25 group was subjected to a 25 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum for 60 minutes. Intestinal structural
changes (bowel circumference, overall bowel and mucosal weight, mucosal DNA and protein,
villus height, and crypt depth) and bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen,
portal blood, and peripheral blood were determined 24 hours following pneumoperitoneum.
Results: IAP-15 and IAP-25 rats demonstrated a significant decrease in: bowel and mucosal weight
in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum; mucosal DNA and protein in the jejunum and ileum; villus
height in the jejunum: and crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum compared to the sham rats. Bacterial
translocation was demonstrated in 60% of IAP-15 rats and in 80% of IAP-25 rats.
Conclusion: Elevated IAP results in mucosal injury of the gut, causing mucosal hypoplasia, and
increases bacterial translocation.
