Experimental study on the elevation effect of sodium alginate as a submucosal injection solution / 中国内镜杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the feasibilities and advantages of different concentrations of sodium alginate (SA) solutions as a submucosal injection solution for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Methods In vitro study, different concentrations of sodium alginate solutions and normal saline were injected into submucosal of resected porcine esophagus and stomach respectively, then observe and measure the heights of each injection induced mucosal elevations, and their changes over time. In vivo study, the mimic ESD were conducted in healthy pigs to evaluate the mucosal elevation effect and other assistant effects of sodium alginate as a submucosal injection solution. Results The elevation heights of the experiment groups injected with SA solutions were much higher than the control group injected with normal saline. Specially, the elevation created by 1 % SA in porcine esophagus was significantly higher than that of normal saline (P < 0.01) and the elevation created by 3 % SA was significantly higher than that of normal saline in porcine stomach (P < 0.001). In the mimic ESD experiment, mucosal elevation with clear margin occurred immediately after injection with SA solution. And the durable submucosal fluid cushion created by SA protected deeper tissues while facilitating ESD procedure. Conclusion The elevation heights created by SA solutions were greater and more durable than that created by normal saline, which were crucial for ESD. The viscosity property enabled SA to form a stable protective cushion and prevent bleeding by squeezing tissue around the wound, which may decrease perforation and bleeding rate during ESD procedure. Therefore, sodium alginate can be an ideal clinical submucosal injection solution.