Primary common bile duct anastomosis in the rat using microsurgical techniques

Abstract

In a rat model, we attempted to describe the natural healing course of the common bile duct (CBD) after primary microsurgical repair. Fifty-three rats were divided into experimental groups with CBD microsurgical anastomoses and control groups with CBD mobilization and ligation. Examination of three experimental groups at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months showed evolving inflammation and stricture changes with eventual patent, healed ducts in 92% of animals at the end of 3 months following transection and repair. There were no histologic abnormalities in the livers. There were fibrotic ducts and hepatic stasis and cirrhosis changes in the control group with CBD ligation. This study demonstrates that microsurgical techniques can achieve successful primary biliary repair in the rat.

Biliary Tract Reconstruction Using an Autologous Vein Graft in Rats

“…Primary repair of an injured bile duct with end-to-end anastomosis has been very successful. 16,17 However, the repair of segmental bile duct damage has created a formidable challenge. To date, biologic and synthetic materials have been used for reconstruction of such a defect with limited success, attributable to the ensuing necrosis, fibrosis, and stenosis at the surgical site.…”