PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of total and partial fundoplication on the pressure and length of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). METHODS: Thirty male rabbits (Norfolk race) were studied. The animals were divided in three groups, according to the surgical procedure. Group 1 (Control)-medium laparotomy (ML) and dissection of gastroesophageal transition; Group 2-ML and total fundoplication; Group 3-ML and partial fundoplication. All the animals were submitted to esophageal manometry (EM) using the intermittent pull through technique and continuous infusion of the catheters with destilled water. The esophageal manometry was performed in two moments: M1 (pre operative period) and M2 (post operative period), and allowed us LES analyse the pressure (mmHg) and length (cm). RESULTS: In animals of group 1 no change in LES pressure and length was observed. In those of groups 2 (total fundoplication) an increase of LES pressure (69,7%) and length (81,8%) was observed. In rabbits of group 3 (partial fundoplication) there was an increase of LES pressure (58%) and length (100%) of the LES. CONCLUSIONS: The total and partial fundoplications cause an increase of LES pressure and length. This increase doesn't depend on the type of fundoplication performed.
Fundoplication; Lower esophageal sphincter; Rabbit
