Abstract
Experimental animal models are indispensable for investigating disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Esophageal resection remains the only curative treatment for esophageal cancer, but disruption of the esophagogastric anastomosis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. To better understand anastomotic healing and related complications, a simple and reproducible rodent model is required. In this study, we developed a novel, reliable technique for establishing esophagogastric anastomosis in rats. Hand-sewn end-to-end anastomoses were performed following esophageal dissection, with a 4-mm silicone catheter placed from the gastrotomy into the distal esophagus to facilitate suturing. Anastomoses were constructed with continuous nonabsorbable sutures in 10 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Histological evaluation of healing was performed 5 days postoperatively. Normal anastomotic healing was observed in 9 animals, while 1 rat developed leakage with sepsis and died shortly after revision on postoperative day 3. Histology confirmed physiological healing in successful cases. This study presents a simple, reproducible rat model of esophagogastric anastomosis healing, offering a valuable platform for bridging the gap between basic research and clinical applications.