Biomechanical properties of the oesophagus damaged by endoscopic sclerotherapy. An impedance planimetric study in minipigs.

Abstract

The aims of the present study were to evaluate, by means of impedance plainmetry, regional differences in biomechanical properties in the normal oesophagus and the oesophagus damaged by sclerotherapy. Four minipigs underwent a weekly session of sclerotherapy for 4 weeks. Impedance planimetry was performed before the first session of sclerotherapy and 1 week after the last session of sclerotherapy. Investigations were performed by stepwise pressure-induced balloon distensions with concomitant measurements of pressure and luminal cross-sectional area (CSA) in the oesophagus 5 and 10 cm above the gastro-oesophageal junction (GEJ). The normal oesophagus had significantly larger CSAs 5 cm than 10 cm above the GEJ (P < 0.05). Endoscopic sclerotherapy entailed an inversion (P < 0.05) of the normal oesophageal configuration, with narrowing 5 cm above the GEJ (P < 0.05) and increased CSAs 10 cm above the GEJ (P < 0.05). Regional differences in CSA occur in the normal oesophagus, and sclerotherapy produces profound changes in the oesophageal configuration.