Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP ).

Area of Science:

• Surgical models
• Experimental pathology
• Abdominal sepsis research

Background:

• Colon ascendens stent peritonitis (CASP) is an established experimental model for abdominal sepsis.
• It effectively simulates insufficient intestinal anastomosis by creating a direct link between the gut lumen and abdominal cavity.
• This leads to continuous leakage of intestinal contents, inducing peritonitis and sepsis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the CASP model for experimental abdominal sepsis.
• To highlight its utility in mimicking surgical complications and inducing peritonitis.
• To emphasize the model's adaptability for varying study durations and sepsis severities.

Main Methods:

• The CASP model involves creating an open link between the gut lumen and peritoneal cavity using a stent in the colon ascendens.
• Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, involving the placement and suturing of a plastic stent into the colonic wall.
• Septic severity can be modulated by adjusting the size of the stent catheter.

Main Results:

• The CASP model reliably induces peritonitis and sepsis through continuous leakage of gut contents.
• Smaller stent sizes are suitable for long-term studies and models of mild to moderate sepsis.
• Animals typically exhibit clinical signs of sepsis within 24 hours post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• The CASP model is a versatile and well-established method for studying experimental abdominal sepsis.
• Its ability to titrate sepsis severity makes it adaptable for diverse research needs.
• Postoperative care, including monitoring, analgesia, antibiotics, and fluid resuscitation, is crucial for animal welfare and study integrity.