Reflux esophagitis was successfully produced in all rats operated on by total
gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy. Its histopathological features comprised erosion and ulceration associated with inflammatory cell infiltration, with
hyperplasia of the mucosal epithelium in some animals. These rats were dosed with
sodium polyacrylate for protecting the mucosal surface, underwent jejunal diversion for preventing the reflux of digestive juice, or were treated with both in combination, to observe the repairing status of the esophageal
ulcer, using the ratio of the length of the regenerated epithelium in the
ulcer to the length of the
ulcer as the index for the degree of repair. The oral ingestion of 5%
sodium polyacrylate solution in
drinking water proved the most effective means of administration of this agent. The repair was more improved greater in the group undergoing jejunal diversion, and was greatest in the group receiving both in combination. From these findings,
oral administration of a mucosal surface protector,
sodium polyacrylate, is an effective therapeutic regiment in mild cases of
reflux esophagitis following total
gastrectomy, as well as elimination of the cause by diversion of the route in severe cases. The combination of the two
therapies will probably by the most effective therapeutic means for this disease.