Effects of esophageal shortening on the gastroesophageal barrier: an experimental study on the causes of reflux in esophageal atresia.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is frequently recognized after surgical repair of esophageal atresia. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that one or more components of the gastroesophageal pressure barrier are weakened by esophageal anastomosis under tension.

METHODS

Lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), crural sling pressure (CSP), and the length of the intraabdominal segment of the esophagus (LIAE) were measured by pull-through perfusion manometry in 20 rats before and after resection of 15 mm of the cervical esophagus, and in eight rats before and after esophageal transection (control group).

RESULTS

This manouver decreased the LESP from 44.9+/-17.4 to 30.9+/-12.3 mm Hg and the LIAE from 17.9+/-2.8 to 15.8+/-2.4 mm (P < .05) in experimental animals, whereas they did not significantly change in controls. CSP did not change significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Anastomosis of the esophagus under tension in this model decreases significantly the lower esophageal sphincter tone and length of the intraabdominal esophagus, but it does not change the crural sling pressure. Postoperative reflux in patients operated on for esophageal atresia might be in part, caused by this mechanism.