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Updated: May 16, 2026
Tissue-Engineered Graft for Circumferential Esophageal Reconstruction in Rats
Published on: February 10, 2020
A bioabsorbable polymer patch for the treatment of esophageal defect in a porcine model
Masayasu Aikawa1, Mitsuo Miyazawa, Kojun Okamoto
1Department of Surgery, Gastrointestinal Center, Saitama Medical University, International Medical Center, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1298, Japan. aikawama@ybb.ne.jp
Background:
Although several materials have been used to replace the esophagus, none of the materials appears to be feasible for clinical use. Our group has developed a bioabsorbable polymer that can be used to repair the defects of stomach, small intestine, biliary tract, and veins. In this study, we implanted a bioabsorbable polymer patch (BAPP) into an esophageal defect and we investigated the clinical utility of BAPP and evaluated the process of esophageal regeneration.
Methods:
Pigs (n = 9) underwent right thoracotomy under general anesthesia. A 4 × 2-cm oval-shaped portion of the esophageal wall was excised, and a BAPP was implanted at the excision site. Esophageal endoscopy was performed at 2 weeks after the implantation. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation, the whole esophagus was resected for gross and histological examinations of the graft sites.
Result:
Esophageal endoscopy at 2 weeks revealed a tiny ulceration at the implantation site with no stenosis. At 4 weeks, the epithelium at the graft site was similar to that of the native esophagus, but it lacked a proper muscle layer. At 8 weeks, a rough muscle layer had developed. At 12 weeks, normal mucosa and a proper muscle layer similar to that of the native wall were confirmed.
Conclusion:
BAPP repaired the defective esophageal wall without complications, and a neo esophageal wall identical to the native esophageal wall had formed by 12 weeks after implantation. Hence, this newly designed substitute has the potential for application as a novel treatment for defective esophagus.
