Esophageal Myectomy: An Experimental Study in Piglets

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Abstract
Single and double esophageal myectomies were performed in 9 piglets to determine the effect of muscular interruption on esophageal function. All animals survived operation and were observed for periods varying from 39 to 150 days. The results were evaluated on the basis of clinical, cineradiographic, gross and microscopic examinations. The luminal width of the involved esophageal segments was assessed under standardized conditions. Postoperatively, none of the animals had clinical signs of swallowing dysfunction and all increased in body weight normally. In both single and double myectomy, cine-radiography demonstrated rapid and complete esophageal emptying without evidence of reverse flow or pendulum movements. Autopsy showed that in all animals healing occurred without stricture. Histologic studies confirmed the absence of muscular regeneration. No increased fibrosis in the isolated muscle was demonstrated. Our results indicate that segmental muscular interruption does not lead to significant motility disturbances.