J Reconstr Microsurg 2000; Volume 16(Number 1): 0051-0056
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-7541
Copyright © 2000 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel: +1(212)760-0888

Biliary Tract Reconstruction Using an Autologous Vein Graft in Rats

Ji-Ye Li, Feng Zhang, Wong Moon, Zol Kryger, De Yuan Shi, William C. Lineaweaver, Harry J. Buncke
  • Microsurgical Replantation Transplantation Service, Davies Medical Center, San Francisco, California, and Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

ABSTRACT

-Numerous biologic and synthetic materials have been used with limited success as an interposed graft to repair segmental common bile duct (CBD) defects. The authors report here that an autologous vein graft can be successfully used to correct a CBD deficit, contingent on accurate microsurgical technique, immediate stenting, and rapid graft vascularization. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats underwent laparotomy, and the experimental group (n=25) had a 3-mm segment of the CBD excised. The CBD defect was repaired using an interposed femoral vein graft aided by a plastic stent. The control group (n=5) had the CBD cut and repaired by means of primary anastomosis. The experimental group was subdivided into three sub-groups, each examined at three different postoperative intervals: 1, 4, and 12 weeks. The results showed that inflammation was apparent in the venous wall following the first postoperative week. A progressive loss of the vascular endothelium and replacement with the columnar epithelium typical of the CBD was seen in the vein graft. Nineteen of the 25 experimental rats (76 percent) of the animals survived without complication from the surgery, and there were no abnormalities in the liver biochemical tests of these animals. Any biliary tract obstruction that developed was attributed to dislocation of the stent leading to collapse of the vein graft (experimental group), or constriction of the anastomosis (control group). This study demonstrates that biliary tract reconstruction using an autologous vein graft can be successfully performed in a rat model of CBD repair. The application of this method to the clinical setting is also discussed.