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A colonoscopy is an outpatient strategy when inspecting the large intestine (colon and rectum). A colonoscopy is usually used to badess gastrointestinal symptoms, for example, rectal and intestinal bleeding, or changes in bowel habits.
Each year, about 15 million colonoscopies are performed in the United States, and in at least 20% of these, gastroenterologists eventually eliminate precancerous growths of the colon. Killing these early-period lesions called polyps is the best approach to prevent colon cancer from developing.
To reduce the risk of tearing the colon during this procedure, doctors often insert a saline solution into the space below the lesion, forming a "cushion" that lifts the polyp and facilitates its safe expulsion. . Nevertheless, this cushion does not last long.
MIT scientists have developed an option: a solution that can be infused as a fluid, but turns into a powerful gel once it reaches the tissue, creating a gradually stable and durable cushion.
Complex lesions may require 10 to 20 minutes or more, but the saline cushion lasts only a few minutes. The researchers have tried to extend the life of the cushions by adding thickeners such as gelatin and cellulose, but it is very difficult to inject them with the narrow needle used for the procedure.
To overcome this problem, the MIT team decided to create a shear thinning gel. These materials are semi-solid gels under normal conditions, but when the force is applied to them, their viscosity decreases and they flow more easily. This means that the material can be easily injected through a narrow needle and then become a solid gel once it enters the colon tissue.
To develop this gel, the scientists used a combination of two biocompatible materials that can form gels under normal conditions, but when the force is applied to them, their viscosity decreases and they flow more easily – Laponite, a clay powder used in cosmetics and other products. and alginate, a polysaccharide derived from algae.
Jay Pasricha, professor of medicine and neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, said, "This approach could offer" an elegant solution "to the problem of keeping lesions elevated during surgical removal.
"It's a growing and unmet need. Over the past decade, we have attempted to resect more complex tumors from the colon through endoscopy rather than through traditional surgical procedures. It would be great to have equipment that can last throughout the process. "
Scientists have modified the composition of the gel components to control certain characteristics, such as viscosity, which affects cushion stability.
When it is designed to last longer, this type of injectable gel could be useful for applications, for example to shrink the gastrointestinal tract, which could be used to prevent acid reflux or to help with weight loss. making people feel full. It could also be used to carry drugs in the intestinal tract.
Scientists discovered that the material had no harmful side effects in pigs and they hoped to start testing on human patients within three to five years.
Traverso said, "We think that can happen quickly to patients. We are really excited to move it forward. "
The study appears in the July 30 issue of Advanced Science. The main authors of the study are former MIT postdocs, Yan Pang and Jinyao Liu. Other authors include Zaina Moussa, MIT student, Joy Collins, technical badistant, Shane McDonnell, former technician, Alison Hayward, veterinarian of the Division of Comparative Medicine, and Professor Robert Langer, professor at gastroenterologist Brigham and Women & # 39; s's Hospital of the Institute for Women.
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