Abstract
Pigs are used to model humans in gastrointestinal (GI) studies because of their comparable size, physiology and behaviour: both are monogastric omnivores. A porcine surgical model for testing novel, tethered ultrasound capsule endoscopes (USCE) requires a clean, motile small intestine. Recommendations for human GI tract preparation before the mechanically similar process of video capsule endoscopy describe using oral purgatives, while high-carbohydrate drinks are recommended before colorectal surgery. Reports of the GI preparation of pigs exist but lack technical details, that is, administration, efficacy and side effects. This report details feeding a high-energy liquid diet to 11 female pigs undergoing surgery and USCE which was readily accepted and easily administered, and which produced a clean, motile small intestine and caused no detectable physiological/behavioural abnormalities.
Highlights
Preparatory measures before gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy aim to provide a view of the intestinal mucosa unobscured by turbid liquid or food material, both of which reduce diagnostic value.[1]
Overnight provision of a liquid diet does not worsen small intestinal conditions compared to oral purgatives[1] which are used for mechanical bowel preparation to empty the GI tract of faeces
Pigs were pair-housed without straw or ingestible bedding
Summary
Preparatory measures before gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy aim to provide a view of the intestinal mucosa unobscured by turbid liquid or food material, both of which reduce diagnostic value.[1] Similar measures reduce post-surgical complications such as wound dehiscence or anastomotic leakage.[2] Pigs and humans are both monogastric omnivores, and similar preendoscopic preparation should be required. Opinions regarding pre-procedural preparation for video capsule endoscopy (VCE) remain divided. Overnight provision of a liquid diet does not worsen small intestinal conditions compared to oral purgatives (sodium picosulphate/magnesium sulphate or polyethylene glycol)[1] which are used for mechanical bowel preparation to empty the GI tract of faeces. Preparation should be guided by patient/ clinical requirements,[3] and consideration of pre-existing co-morbidities and perioperative antibiosis are considered more important in avoiding complications.[2]
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