Mechanical compliance of the small intestine related to long-standing obstruction. An experimental study in rats

Mechanical compliance was studied in rat small intestine subjected to 48 hours of simple obstruction. The values were compared with those obtained in a corresponding section of normal gut. A closed system was used, constructed for continuous measurement of volume-pressure relationships within a hollow organ. The pressure-raising velocity was regulated by programming a steering unit connected to the system. The findings accorded with the hypothesis of an increase in compliance of the obstructed small intestine. The experiments further demonstrated that repeated artificial increases in intraluminal pressure cause change in intestinal compliance.