To explore an effective, safe and convenient method to stablish a reflux esophagitis model.

Twenty New Zealand rabbits were divided into 2 groups. Twelve rabbits which underwent catheter balloon dilatation were allocated into A group while 8 rabbits which underwent sham operation were allocated into B group. In A group, rabbits were intubated with a 10Fr double lumen catheter. Lower esophageal sphincter was confirmed after opening abdominal cavity. In B group, laparotomy was performed. Then abdominal cavity was closed after lower esophageal sphincter was confirmed. All rabbits received 2-hour pH monitoring on postoperative day 10 and was sacrificed in postoperative week 4. Esophageal tissues were taken out and stained with HE. The rate of esophagitis was evaluated.

Survival was not significantly statistical different between 2 groups (A group: 91.7% vs B group: 100%, P=1.000). The data of 2-hour pH monitoring including total time of pH < 4 (%) in 24-hours, number of reflux episodes and number of reflux episodes > 5 min showed significantly statistical difference between 2 groups (t=3.98, 4.91, 4.99; P=0.001, <0.001, <0.001). The success rate of reflux esophagitis model establishment was 75% in A group. Excluding dead rabbits, success rate of reflux esophagitis model establishment was 81.8%.

Forley catheter balloon dilatation is an effective way to establish esophageal reflux model. This method which reserves intact antireflux barrier of gastroesophageal junction does not change normal physiologic anatomy. This method is suitable for the investigation of surgical therapy for reflux esophagitis.