Not All Porcine Intestinal Segments Are Equal in Terms of Breaking Force, but None Were Associated to Allometric Parameters

Abstract

Biomechanics are gaining ground in gastroenterology in the creation of educational models and to describe the necessary forces to perforate hallow organs during endoscopy. We thus investigated the breaking forces of porcine intestinal segments and whether they could be predicted based on body weight or crown–rump length. Based on a priori power-analyses, 10 pigs were included. The breaking forces were determined with a motorized test stand. We found that the breaking forces of intestinal segments were different (H(6) = 33.7, p < 0.0001): Ileal breaking force (x¯ = 24.14 N) was higher than jejunal (x¯ = 14.24 N, p = 0.0082) and colonic (x¯ = 11.33 N, p < 0.0001) breaking force. The latter was also smaller than cecal breaking force (x¯ = 24.6 N, p = 0.0044). Likewise, rectal (x¯ = 23.57 N) breaking force was higher than jejunal (p = 0.0455) and colonic (p = 0.0006) breaking force. Breaking forces were not correlated to body weight or crown–rump length (R < 0.49, p > 0.148). Intestinal segments differ in their breaking forces. The colon had the least resistance to traction forces. It remains to be determined if similar relationships exist in humans in order to validate porcine models for endoscopy and surgery.