title: Mechanical elongation of the small intestine: evaluation of techniques for optimal screw placement in a rodent model.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to evaluate techniques and establish an optimal method for mechanical elongation of small intestine (MESI) using screws in a rodent model in order to develop a potential therapy for short bowel syndrome (SBS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Adult female Sprague Dawley rats (n = 24) with body weight from 250 to 300 g (Σ = 283) were evaluated using 5 different groups in which the basic denominator for the technique involved the fixation of a blind loop of the intestine on the abdominal wall with the placement of a screw in the lumen secured to the abdominal wall.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all groups with accessible screws, the rodents removed the implants despite the use of washers or suits to prevent removal. Subcutaneous placement of the screw combined with antibiotic treatment and dietary modifications was finally successful. In two animals autologous transplantation of the lengthened intestinal segment was successful.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While the rodent model may provide useful basic information on mechanical intestinal lengthening, further investigations should be performed in larger animals to make use of the translational nature of MESI in human SBS treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 34, 8036 Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Hausbrandt
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ainoedhofer
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Saxena
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schalamon
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000473:pathology*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000379:methods*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley