BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study were to evaluate, by means of impedance plainmetry, 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.
BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study were to evaluate, by means of impedance plainmetry, 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.