The Effect of Transverse Section of the Taeniae Coli (Taeniamyotomy) on Intracolonic Pressures in the Rabbit

Abstract

The effect of transverse section of the taeniae coli on intracolonic pressures was studied in the rabbit. A highly significant decrease in the total activity and motility index of the cut segment relative to the adjacent segments was found in 11 of 13 animals (p < 0.005), and a significant decrease in the relative mean size of contraction was found for the series as a whole (p < 0.05). These changes were more significant with increasing strength of contraction. It is concluded that the operation may have a place in the treatment of diverticular disease as an alternative to, or in combination with, longitudinal sigmoid myotomy.

Key-words:

• Diverticular disease
• intracolonic pressures
• motility
• myotomy
• taeniae coli