Study on reflux according to pyloroplasty and path of gastric graft in esophageal reconstruction

In this study, duodenogastric reflux has been investigated according to pyloroplasty and the path of the gastric tube in esophageal reconstruction. The paths of the gastric graft (front and rear paths) were determined from the CT images of ten patients, and the gastric tube model was constructed using an RP technique. The gastric tubes were connected to the pylorus models with and without pyloroplasty. Various distal pressures and pulse widths were applied, and the volume and maximum height of the refluxate were measured. The results show that the volume and height of the refluxate increase with the distal pressure, and the front path leads to a smaller volume and lesser height of the refluxate than the rear path if pyloroplasty is conduced. The volume of the refluxate is markedly increased by a larger pulse width, but its effect on the maximum height depends on whether pyloroplasty is conducted.