Use of autologous vein graft in reconstruction of common bile duct defect: an experimental study

ABSTRACT

This study was done on 10 healthy dogs to evaluate the possible use of autologous venous graft and stent to repair a segmental common bile defect [CBD]. The preoperative liver function tests were normal in all dogs. A 1.5-2 cm segment of supraduodenal CBD was excised and replaced by 3 cm segment of vena cephalica antibrachii on a stent. One end of the stent was introduced into the CBD proximally and the other distally; then the graft was sutured into the CBD using vicryl 5/0 suture. Liver function tests were done on days 7, 14 and 20 postoperatively and re-laparotomy was done after 3 weeks. One dog died intra-operatively and was excluded. The defect was repaired successfully in nine dogs. The postoperative follow up liver function tests on days 7, 14 and 20 were normal in 8 dogs. In one dog, the tests indicated biliary obstruction. At re-laparotomy after three week, the grafts were perfectly healed in all dogs without any evidence of bile leakage. In the dog with obstructive liver function tests, the gallbladder and the graft was strictured and the stent displaced into the duodenum