Experimental transduodenal diathermic sphincterotomy in pigs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Transduodenal sphincterotomy is a surgical approach to the biliary and pancreatic systems.
• Diathermy offers precise cutting and coagulation during endoscopic procedures.
• Evaluating novel surgical techniques in animal models is crucial for clinical translation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy and safety of transduodenal diathermic sphincterotomy in a porcine model.
• To evaluate the healing process and tissue response post-procedure using multiple investigative methods.

Main Methods:

• Nine large White pigs underwent transduodenal diathermic sphincterotomy using an Erbotom T 400 diathermy unit with a needle knife.
• Animals were observed for 2, 8, and 12 weeks post-surgery.
• Post-mortem examinations included macroscopic inspection, histopathology (H&E, Hale-Müller, Frankel stains), and histochemistry (alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, succinate dehydrogenase activity).

Main Results:

• Macroscopic examination revealed successful sphincterotomy sites with good healing at all time points.
• Histopathological analysis indicated minimal inflammation and normal tissue regeneration.
• Histochemical analysis showed preserved enzyme activity, suggesting functional integrity of the sphincter and surrounding tissues.

Conclusions:

• Transduodenal diathermic sphincterotomy is a safe and effective procedure in pigs.
• The technique demonstrates excellent macroscopic and microscopic healing.
• This study supports the potential of diathermic sphincterotomy for clinical application in gastrointestinal surgery.