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Am J Transl Res 2013;5(6):643-653
Original Article
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in super obese Göttingen
minipigs
Malene M Birck, Andreas Vegge, Mikael Støckel, Ismail Gögenur, Thomas Thymann, Karsten P Hammelev, Per T
Sangild, Axel K Hansen, Kirsten Raun, Pia von Voss, Thomas Eriksen
Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen,
Denmark; Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark;
Department of Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Experimental Medicine,
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Diabetes Pharmacology, Novo
Nordisk A/S, Denmark; Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Science, Faculty of Health and Medical
Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Received September 5, 2013; Accepted September 15, 2013; Epub September 25, 2013; Published September
30, 2013
Abstract: Background: The specific mechanisms behind weight loss and comorbidity improvements in obese
patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to
establish and evaluate the feasibility of a long-term survival RYGBP model in super obese Göttingen minipigs in
order to improve the translational potential relative to current animal models. Methods: Eleven Göttingen minipigs
with diet-induced obesity underwent laparoscopic RYGBP and were followed up to 9 months after surgery. Intra-
and post-operative complications, body weight (BW), food intake and necropsy data were recorded. Results: Five
minipigs survived without complications to the end of the study. Four minipigs developed surgical related
complications and were euthanized while two minipigs died due to central venous catheter related complications.
BW and food intake is reported for the six minipigs surviving longer than 4.5 months post-surgery. Weight loss
and reduced food intake was seen in all minipigs. After 2-3 months of weight loss, weight regain was evident in
all but two minipigs which seemed to continue losing weight. Necropsy revealed some variation in the length of
the alimentary, biliary and common limb between minipigs. Conclusion: The use of obese Göttingen minipigs as
a translational RYGBP model is feasible and has potential for the study of RYGBP-related changes in gut
function, type-2 diabetes and appetite regulation. Still, the surgical procedure is technically highly demanding in
obese Göttingen minipigs and the peri-operative animal care and follow up requires close monitoring.
(AJTR1309003).
Keywords: Gastric bypass, obesity, diabetes, weight loss, animal model, pig
Address correspondence to: Dr. Malene M Birck, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health
and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1. floor, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. Tel:
(+45) 35331566; Fax: (+45) 35353514; E-mail: mbirck@sund.ku.dk
Original Article
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in super obese Göttingen
minipigs
Malene M Birck, Andreas Vegge, Mikael Støckel, Ismail Gögenur, Thomas Thymann, Karsten P Hammelev, Per T
Sangild, Axel K Hansen, Kirsten Raun, Pia von Voss, Thomas Eriksen
Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen,
Denmark; Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark;
Department of Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Experimental Medicine,
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Diabetes Pharmacology, Novo
Nordisk A/S, Denmark; Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Science, Faculty of Health and Medical
Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Received September 5, 2013; Accepted September 15, 2013; Epub September 25, 2013; Published September
30, 2013
Abstract: Background: The specific mechanisms behind weight loss and comorbidity improvements in obese
patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to
establish and evaluate the feasibility of a long-term survival RYGBP model in super obese Göttingen minipigs in
order to improve the translational potential relative to current animal models. Methods: Eleven Göttingen minipigs
with diet-induced obesity underwent laparoscopic RYGBP and were followed up to 9 months after surgery. Intra-
and post-operative complications, body weight (BW), food intake and necropsy data were recorded. Results: Five
minipigs survived without complications to the end of the study. Four minipigs developed surgical related
complications and were euthanized while two minipigs died due to central venous catheter related complications.
BW and food intake is reported for the six minipigs surviving longer than 4.5 months post-surgery. Weight loss
and reduced food intake was seen in all minipigs. After 2-3 months of weight loss, weight regain was evident in
all but two minipigs which seemed to continue losing weight. Necropsy revealed some variation in the length of
the alimentary, biliary and common limb between minipigs. Conclusion: The use of obese Göttingen minipigs as
a translational RYGBP model is feasible and has potential for the study of RYGBP-related changes in gut
function, type-2 diabetes and appetite regulation. Still, the surgical procedure is technically highly demanding in
obese Göttingen minipigs and the peri-operative animal care and follow up requires close monitoring.
(AJTR1309003).
Keywords: Gastric bypass, obesity, diabetes, weight loss, animal model, pig
Address correspondence to: Dr. Malene M Birck, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health
and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1. floor, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. Tel:
(+45) 35331566; Fax: (+45) 35353514; E-mail: mbirck@sund.ku.dk
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