Endoscopic Sclerotherapy of Oesophageal Varices in Rabbits: The Long-Term Effect on Oesophageal Collagen Content and Mechanical Strength

Abstract

Sixteen rabbits with oesophageal varices were randomized to no treatment (n = 8) or endoscopic paravenous sclerotherapy of the varices (n = 8). Eight other rabbits served as sham-operated controls. Four months after sclerotherapy the animals were killed, and the mechanical strength and collagen content of the oesophagus were determined at proximal, middle, and distal levels. In animals treated by sclerotherapy there was a 15% increase in collagen content at the distal level when compared with controls and non-treated animals (2 p <0.05). This was not accompanied by changes in the mechanical strength. At middle and proximal levels there were no differences between the groups. It is concluded that the late effect of one single session of paravenous sclerotherapy of oesophageal varices is a slight fibrosis in the distal oesophagus, with no changes in the mechanical properties of the oesophageal wall.

Key Words:

• Collagen content
• mechanical strength
• oesophageal varices
• rabbits
• sclerotherapy