Biomechanical Properties of the Oesophagus Damaged by Endoscopic Sclerotherapy: An Impedance Planimetric Study in Minipigs

Juhl CO, Vinter-Jensen L, Djurhuus JC, Gregersen H, Dajani EZ. Biomechanical properties of the oesophagus damaged by endoscopic sclerotherapy. An impedance planimetric study in minipigs. Scand J Gastroenterol 1994;29:867-873. Background: The aims of the present study were to evaluate, by means of impedance planimetry, regional differences in biomechanical properties in the normal oesophagus and the oesophagus damaged by sclerotherapy. Methods: 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). Results: 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). Conclusions: Regional differences in CSA occur in the normal oesophagus, and sclerotherapy produces profound changes in the oesophageal configuration.