ABSTRACT
Background and aims Although various solutions have been tested for submucosal injections during endoscopic treatment, the ideal solution has not been established. We investigated the suitability of a cellulose nanofiber (CNF) dispersion with high viscosity and thixotropy as a potential submucosal injection material for endoscopic treatment. Methods We evaluated the catheter injectability and mucosa-elevating capacity of CNF dispersion compared with sodium hyaluronate (SH) solution, which has been reported to be a promising submucosal injection solution. The catheter injectability of CNF dispersion was examined under conditions equivalent to those used clinically in endoscopic treatment. The mucosa-elevating capacity of CNF dispersion was examined in porcine stomachs. Results There was no significant difference between the catheter injectability of 0.4â% CNF dispersion and 0.4â% SH solutions; however, 0.4â% CNF dispersion maintained significantly higher and longer elevation of the submucosal layer than 0.4â% SH solution. A clear separation of the mucosal layer from the underlying muscle layer was achieved by injecting 0.4â% CNF dispersion. Conclusion This preliminary study suggests that CNF dispersion could be an ideal submucosal injection material for endoscopic treatment because of its unique high thixotropy index.
