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Updated: Mar 12, 2026
Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice
Published on: August 25, 2015
Creation of an animal model for long gap pure esophageal atresia
Ian C Glenn1, Nicholas E Bruns1, Gabriel Gabarain1
1Department of Surgery, Akron Children's Hospital, 1 Perkins Sq, Ste 8400, Akron, OH, 44308, USA.
Introduction:
Long gap pure esophageal atresia (LGPEA) is a congenital disorder in which the esophagus is in discontinuity, and the proximal and distal ends cannot be anastomosed in a primary fashion. No animal model for pure esophageal atresia exists. Here we describe a survival animal model for LGPEA, which will ultimately serve to test novel devices and techniques to restore continuity.
Methods:
A non-survival study was first conducted in six rabbits to refine a protocol for the survival model. An open gastrostomy tube was placed, followed by a partial esophagectomy. Next, a survival study was performed with seven rabbits in which the same procedures were performed. Finally, the procedure was optimized in domestic swine.
Results:
Despite developing the techniques and gaining valuable information in the non-survival study, none of the rabbits in the survival portion of the study lived beyond post-operative day four. Due to this complication with the rabbit, the LGPEA model was attempted in a porcine model. The pig survived to post-operative day ten, and was healthy enough to be used for further study.
Conclusion:
A porcine model of long gap pure esophageal atresia was developed which is effective and feasible to be used for testing new methods of treatment of LGPEA.
