[Morphological changes in experimental duodenogastric reflux]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Alkaline reflux-gastritis is a clinical condition.
• The pathological mechanisms and reversibility are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a canine model of total duodenal-gastric reflux.
• To investigate the morphological and bacteriological changes in the stomach.
• To assess the reversibility of these changes after reflux elimination.

Main Methods:

• A total duodenal-gastric reflux model was created in 20 dogs.
• Histological examination of stomach tissue was performed at 3.5 months and 1 year post-operation.
• Bacteriological analysis and pH measurements were conducted.
• A subset of dogs underwent reoperation to eliminate reflux, with subsequent observation.

Main Results:

• Histological changes included metachromasia, increased mucus, epithelial proliferation, and inflammation.
• Bacteriological studies revealed increased bacterial population and elevated stomach pH.
• Reoperation to eliminate reflux led to complete reversibility of all observed morphological changes within 6 months.

Conclusions:

• The study established a reproducible canine model of duodenal-gastric reflux.
• The findings demonstrate that the observed gastric changes are reversible upon elimination of reflux.
• The authors propose 'reflux gastropathy' as a more accurate term than 'alkaline reflux-gastritis'.