Experimental studies of reflux esophagitis following total gastrectomy in rats-pathogenesis and treatment

Reflux esophagitis was successfully produced in all rats operated on by total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy. Its histopathological features comprised erosion and ulceration associated with inflammatory cell infiltration, with hyperplasia of the mucosal epithelium in some animals. These rats were dosed with sodium polyacrylate for protecting the mucosal surface, underwent jejunal diversion for preventing the reflux of digestive juice, or were treated with both in combination, to observe the repairing status of the esophageal ulcer, using the ratio of the length of the regenerated epithelium in the ulcer to the length of the ulcer as the index for the degree of repair. The oral ingestion of 5% sodium polyacrylate solution in drinking water proved the most effective means of administration of this agent. The repair was more improved greater in the group undergoing jejunal diversion, and was greatest in the group receiving both in combination. From these findings, oral administration of a mucosal surface protector, sodium polyacrylate, is an effective therapeutic regiment in mild cases of reflux esophagitis following total gastrectomy, as well as elimination of the cause by diversion of the route in severe cases. The combination of the two therapies will probably by the most effective therapeutic means for this disease.