Establishing a rabbit sham model of cervical esophageal surgery for circumferential esophageal transplantation
- Author:
Ji Hyun KIM
1
;
Yu Jin KIM
;
Hee Yeon JEON
;
Young Shin JOO
;
Jae Hee CHUNG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From: Clinical Transplantation and Research 2026;40(1):96-103
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:This study was performed to establish a rabbit model for esophageal surgery in the treatment of cervical esophageal diseases. The necessary steps for postoperative treatment and esophageal examination were detailed.
Methods:This study aimed to confirm the feasibility of the surgical procedure in rabbits and develop a postoperative management protocol. Six New Zealand White rabbits underwent esophagectomy and end-to-end anastomosis of the cervical esophagus under general anesthesia. Postoperatively, the rabbits were fed a specially formulated therapeutic liquid diet for 3 to 7 days. Recovery was monitored for 8 weeks, after which the rabbits were euthanized. Esophagography and endoscopy were conducted during the first postoperative week to assess healing.
Results:Of the six rabbits that underwent surgery, two died from nonsurgical complications within 7 days after the operation. Of the remaining rabbits, two were diagnosed with esophageal stricture via esophagography and underwent endoscopy after the first postoperative week. The final two rabbits completed the 8-week postoperative period without complications.
Conclusions:Esophageal surgery and postoperative treatment in rabbits require careful attention. We anticipate that this study will provide valuable and practical information for researchers conducting esophageal studies using rabbits.
