Biocompatibility of latex and silicone T tubes in the porcine common bile duct: an experimental study

Abstract

Toxicity of materials used in indwelling drains or catheters has the potential to damage surrounding tissues. The biocompatibility of biliary T-tubes was investigated using in groups of piglets (total 30 animals). In group 1 (n=16) a choledochotomy was performed with insertion of a latex T-tube (n=6) or a silicone T-tube (n=8), or without a T-tube (n=2). In group 2 (n=14) the common bile duct (CBD) was 3/4-transected, and the lesion was sutured over a latex T-tube (n=4) or a silicone T-tube (n=5), or without a T-tube (n=5). The groups were reoperated upon after 2 and 6 weeks respectively, and the CBD was harvested for scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. The T-tubes were examined for cell culture toxicity with a DNA synthesis inhibition test. According to the cell culture tests, latex T-tubes were toxic and silicone T-tubes nontoxic. T-tubes induced moderate to pronounced fibrosis and epithelial damage in the CBD wall, but did not induce excessive fibrosis or scarring at the site of CBD suture. In the 6-week study period, however, the grade of tissue reactions in the CBD did not correlate with the toxicity of the T-tube materials, but rather reflected a foreign body reaction and mechanical pressure. Although gross anatomical changes did not occur, neither material seemed to be completely harmless for porcine CBD wall.

Minced Skin for Tissue Engineering of Epithelialized Subcutaneous Tunnels

“…19 For stenting of the biliary duct, it has previously been shown that latex has desirable properties such as rapid tissue tract formation. 20,21 We have not examined physical and mechanical material properties (i.e., hardness, elasticity, and surface quality) of these tubes, even though it might have a stronger impact on the regenerating epithelium than the substance per se.…”

Modified foreign body reaction to silicone imbedded in subcutaneous tissues by different mouse systemic immune conditions

“…Therefore, it is likely that FBR to ST, a material with low biological reactivity, 19 proceeds to form TSS composed of two layers regardless of the genomic‐ or immune‐related backgrounds of mice. When the same experiment was conducted with both silicone and latex, there was a noticeable difference in the course of the experiment 20 . Future studies are needed to verify the relationship between FBRs and other materials and their immunological status.…”

“…When the same experiment was conducted with both silicone and latex, there was a noticeable difference in the course of the experiment. 20 Future studies are needed to verify the relationship between FBRs and other materials and their immunological status.…”

Biliary Stent Acting as Nidus for Stone Formation: A Case Report

“…Koivusalo et al found that latex tubes were toxic and induced moderate to pronounced fibrosis and epithelial damage on the CBD wall, unlike silicone tubes. 5 There are various indications for biliary stenting like CBD stone, CBD stricture, biliary leak, peri ampullary carcinoma, CBD malignancy, etc. 6 The mean duration of the patency of the stent was about 12 months, but if not removed within (4-6 weeks), stent can act as nidus for stone formation.…”