Effect of different types of fundoplication on the gastric emptying of liquids and gastric compliance in rats

Abstract

Background/Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the early and late effects of partial fundoplication (PFp) and total fundoplication (TFp) on gastric emptying (GE) and on gastric compliance (GC) in rats. Methods One hundred fifty-nine male Wistar rats, 6 to 8 weeks of age and weighing 150 to 250 g underwent sham operation, PFp or TFp. They were randomly divided into early group (group E) and late group (group L), evaluated on the 7th and 28th postoperative days, respectively. Gastric emptying studies were performed with and without short-term induction of GE delay. Results Gastric emptying studies: In group E, TFp altered gastric retention when compared with sham subgroup in rats with GE delay. In group L, neither PFp nor TFp produced changes in GE. Gastric volume–gastric compliance studies: In group E, only TFp reduced significantly gastric volume, but both PFp and TFp caused a significant decrease in GC. A trend toward normalization of gastric volume and GC was perceived in group L. Partial fundoplication did not change the intragastric pressure response in either group E or group L. Total fundoplication increased the intragastric pressure significantly in group E, but this difference disappeared on the 28th postoperative day. Conclusions Partial fundoplication induces less change in gastric motor physiology than TFp. These findings provide background to explain some differences in the postoperative course after PFp and TFp.