Abstract
Purpose
This study attempted to observe the effect of feeding regulation measures (FRM) for the construction of an esophageal channel function in a neoesophagus using an artificial nitinol esophagus.
Methods
Experiments were divided among groups: group 1, receiving FRM; and group 2, the non-feeding regulation measures (NFRM) group.
Results
Ten pigs survived for 6 months without any complications such as anastomotic leakage. The shedding time of the artificial esophagus in group 1 was significantly delayed in comparison with group 2 (>180 ± 0.0 days vs. 75.6 ± 27.1 days, respectively, p<0.05). In group 1, the weight changes at 3 and 6 months postoperation were significantly different in comparison with preoperative values (t = 14.86, 9.17 > 2.78, respectively; p<0.05). In group 2, the weight changes at 3 and 6 months postoperation were significantly different in comparison with preoperative values (t = 7.95, 11.37 > 2.78, respectively; p<0.05).
Conclusions
FRM not only effectively delayed the shedding time of the artificial esophagus but also played a role in protecting the neoesophagus from stenosis, by functioned as a bougienage after artificial esophagus sloughing. Therefore, FRM is an effective way for establishing a stable eating channel in the neoesophagus when using a nitinol composite artificial esophagus to replace the resected segment of an intrathoracic esophagus.
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