Intestinal lengthening via multiple in-continuity springs
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Read the article on jpedsurg.org ↗Article · Oct 2018 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Experimental study in juvenile pigs demonstrates that multiple nitinol springs placed in series can safely lengthen intestinal segments by 56% over 3 weeks without obstruction or complications. This spring-mediated distraction enterogenesis technique shows promise as a potential treatment for short bowel syndrome.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Background
Short bowel syndrome is a debilitating condition with few effective treatments. Spring-mediated distraction enterogenesis can be used to lengthen intestine. The purpose of this study is to determine whether multiple springs in series can safely increase the total amount of lengthening.
Methods
Juvenile mini-Yucatan pigs each received three nitinol springs placed within their jejunum. Plication was used to narrow the intestine around each spring to secure them. Compressed springs were used in the experimental group, while uncompressed springs were used in the control group. The intestine was examined 3 weeks later for lengthening and histologic changes.
Results
All pigs tolerated diets postoperatively with continued weight gain, and no dilation or obstruction of the intestine was observed. Segments of intestine that contained compressed springs had a significant increase in length from 2.5 cm to 3.9 ± 0.2 cm per spring, compared to segments containing control springs that showed no change (p