Magnetic compression gastrostomy in the rat.

PURPOSE: Magnetic compression anastomosis is used for gastrointestinal, biliary, and urinary anastomoses. We have developed a simple magnetic compression gastrostomy technique in rats.

METHODS

Animals were randomized into two groups (n = 12 each): magnetic gastrostomy (MG) and surgical gastrostomy (SG) (control). In the MG group, a magnetic insertion catheter was coupled with the first magnetic ball and introduced transorally into the stomach. A second magnetic ball was placed subcutaneously into the left upper quadrant. The two magnetic balls (4 mm) were strongly coupled together. On postoperative day (PD) 20 (MG group) and PD10 (SG group), rats were killed, gastrostomies were evaluated macroscopically and histopathologically, and mechanical burst testing was performed.

RESULTS

Two animals died due to suspected leaks. Macroscopic evaluation indicated no gastrostomy canal in one rat in each group. Mild adhesion was observed in two rats in the MG group. Moderate adhesion was observed in all rats in the SG group. No significant differences were observed in burst pressure between the two groups (means: MG group, 143 mmHg, n = 9; SG group, 159 mmHg, n = 8).

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic compression gastrostomy can be performed easily in rats, and may be developed in future as a simple alternative to some gastrostomy procedures in humans.