Animal experimental studies using small intestine endoscope.

Abstract

AIM: To assess the feasibility and safety of a novel enteroscope, negative-pressure suction endoscope in examining the small intestine of a porcine model. METHODS: experiments in small intestinal loops from 20 pigs andexperiments in 20 living pigs were conducted. RESULTS: Inexperiments, a negative pressure of > 0.06 MPa was necessary for optimal visualization of the intestine, and this pressure did not cause gross or histological damage to the mucosa. For satisfactory examination of the small intestine, higher negative pressure (> 1.00 MPa) was required. Despite this higher pressure, the small intestine did not show any gross or microscopic damage in the suctioned areas. The average time of examination in the living animals was 60 ± 7.67 min. The animals did not experience any apparent ill effects from the procedure. CONCLUSION: Small intestine endoscope was safely performed within a reasonable time period and enabled complete visualization of the intestine in most cases.