Intestinal regeneration by a novel surgical procedure

Background: Treatment of short bowel syndrome is problematical. Small bowel tissue engineering has achieved modest results in animal studies. The aim of this study was to investigate intestinal regeneration in a novel surgical model. Methods: Roux‐en‐Y bypass procedures were performed on 40 Wistar rats weighing 250–350 g. Animals were killed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after implantation with a 3‐cm silicone tube. The spatio temporal relationship of intestinal regeneration was analysed using three‐dimensional multislice computed tomography, and examination of sequential morphological changes on gross or histological findings and measurement of missing intestinal tissue (growth defects). Results: Progressive intestinal regeneration on a silicone tube was identifiable in 35 animals. Most adhesions were initially localized on the tube but spread to a distal site 4 weeks after implantation. Growth defects decreased with time, with a marked reduction in the first 4 weeks and a gradual reduction to week 24 after implantation. Luminal patency shown radiologically as well as sequential histological findings, such as mucosal lining, matrix remodelling and muscular regeneration, suggested that regeneration of intestinal tissue took place, not merely scar contraction. Conclusion: Non‐invasive as well as histomorphological assessment followed intestinal regeneration over time in this model, which provides scope for further studies. Copyright © 2008 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.