title: Colon anastomotic leakage: improving the mouse model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Colon anastomotic leakage remains a serious and common surgical complication. Animal models are valuable to determine the pathophysiological mechanisms and to evaluate possible methods of prevention. The aim of this study was to develop an optimal model of clinical colon anastomotic leakage in a technically insufficient anastomosis in the mouse.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 110 mice were used in three pilot studies (1-3) and two experiments (A, B). Due to the high complication rates, the analgesic regimen and surgical techniques were changed throughout the pilot studies/experiments. In the final successful experiment (B), eight and four absorbable sutures were used in the control and intervention anastomoses, respectively, and buprenorphine in chocolate spread was used for pain treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the final model (experiment B), significantly more animals in the intervention group had clinical anastomotic leakage compared with controls (40 vs. 0 %, p = 0.003). The weight loss was greater and the wellness score was also lower in these animals (p < 0.001). The breaking strength of the anastomoses was not significantly different between the control group [0.55 N ± 0.09] and intervention group [0.49 N ± 0.15] (p = 0.091).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This mouse model closely mimics clinical colon anastomotic leakage in humans. The model is of high clinical relevance, since anastomotic leakage has a similar cause, incidence and manifestations in humans.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Gastroenterology D, Herlev Hospital, Center for Perioperative Optimization, University of Copenhagen, Herlev Ringvej 75, 2730, Herlev, Denmark, HCPommergaard@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Hans-Christian
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Pommergaard
authors.forename: Michael Patrick
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Achiam
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D057868:Anastomotic Leak; D000818:Animals; D002047:Buprenorphine; D003108:Colonic Diseases; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011098:Polyglactin 910; D011126:Polypropylenes; D013537:Sutures
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011098:Polyglactin 910; D002047:Buprenorphine