A New Technique for Reconstruction of the Common Bile Duct by an Autologous Vein Graft and a Biodegradable Endoluminal Stent

The incidence of severe bile duct injuries has significantly increased since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The ideal reconstruction procedure for traumatic defects of the bile duct should be technically simple and should preserve both the physiological passage of bile and the sphincter of Oddi. In this article we describe a new technique for bile duct reconstruction in a pig model by means of an autologous vein graft that is splinted by a endoluminal biodegradable polylactate acid stent. In 12 pigs the external jugular vein was removed and used as an autologous vein graft. After performing a median laparotomy a 2-cm segment was resected from the bile duct. The common bile duct was reconstructed by a venous interponate that had been endoluminally stented by a biodegradable polylactate acid stent. For the examination of stent degradation, 2 pigs were sacrificed at 3, 4, and 5 months (stent degradation group) and the remaining 6 pigs at 6 months (survival group). All the pigs in the survival group survived for 6 months before being sacrificed. After 4 months the stent material had been completely broken down and the vein graft had been relined with bile duct epithelium. Thus, this new technique for bile duct reconstruction using an autologous vein graft with an endoluminal stent is simple to perform and reliable, and constitutes an interesting alternative to bilodigestive anastomosis due to the preservation of the papilla of Vateri.     

A new technique for reconstruction of the common bile duct by an autologous vein graft and a biodegradable endoluminal stent.

The incidence of severe bile duct injuries has significantly increased since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The ideal reconstruction procedure for traumatic defects of the bile duct should be technically simple and should preserve both the physiological passage of bile and the sphincter of Oddi. In this article we describe a new technique for bile duct reconstruction in a pig model by means of an autologous vein graft that is splinted by a endoluminal biodegradable polylactate acid stent. In 12 pigs the external jugular vein was removed and used as an autologous vein graft. After performing a median laparotomy a 2-cm segment was resected from the bile duct. The common bile duct was reconstructed by a venous interponate that had been endoluminally stented by a biodegradable polylactate acid stent. For the examination of stent degradation, 2 pigs were sacrificed at 3, 4, and 5 months (stent degradation group) and the remaining 6 pigs at 6 months (survival group). All the pigs in the survival group survived for 6 months before being sacrificed. After 4 months the stent material had been completely broken down and the vein graft had been relined with bile duct epithelium. Thus, this new technique for bile duct reconstruction using an autologous vein graft with an endoluminal stent is simple to perform and reliable, and constitutes an interesting alternative to bilodigestive anastomosis due to the preservation of the papilla of Vateri.     

Morphological Changes during Creation of a Neo-Bile Duct Using a Vein and a Biodegradable Endoluminal Stent

ABSTRACT?

Major bile duct lesions are usually treated by a hepaticojejunostomy which is often complicated by cholangitis and liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphologic features of a neo-bile duct created from a vein and a biodegradable endoluminal stent. The neo-bile duct was created using a segment of the external jugular vein which was endoluminally stented by a biodegradable poly-lactate-acid stent. In 18 pigs, the common bile duct was resected and replaced by the vein with (n = 12) or without endoluminal stent (n = 6). Six animals served as controls. Survival, liver function and morphological changes of the neo-bile duct and the liver were observed for six months. After six months, the neo-bile duct morphologically resembled the native bile duct showing Ck7-positive columnar epithelium and newly formed capillaries in the bile duct wall. The biodegradable stent disappeared after four months. All animals survived and showed normal liver function and no cholestasis. In contrast, after sole vein reconstruction of the bile duct, four animals died due to biliary peritonitis and cholangitis. Creation of a neo-bile duct which morphologically resembles the native bile duct is feasible by using a body's own vein and a biodegradable endoluminal stent.     

Bile duct replacement using an autologous femoral vein graft: an experimental study. Preliminary results

The repair of common bile duct injuries is a complex procedure with a significant rate of postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the usefulness of the autologous vein graft in replacement of the bile duct. Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 350 +- 550 g were used in the study and were divided at random into two groups: the control group (60) and the experimental group in which a 3-mm segment of the bile duct was resected and the biliary tract was replaced by a segment of vein aided by stent (G1). Both groups were subdivided into pairs of rats to study at 30, 60, and 120 days. All of the animals underwent radioisotope cholangiography, a repeat laparotomy, and blood tests for further pathologic study. The clinical evaluation and biochemical nuclear medicine and pathologic studies showed no evidence of cholestasis. The histologic study of the graft showed replacement of the endothelium by biliary-appearing epithelium. The use of an autologous vein graft with a supporting stent proves to be a feasible and alternative procedure for bile duct reconstruction. Further experimental studies should be carried out to validate these findings so they can be implemented in clinical cases.     

A Novel Biodegradable Biliary Stent in the Normal Duct Hepaticojejunal Anastomosis: an 18-month Follow-up in a Large Animal Model

Creating a well-functioning hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) anastomosis with nondilated bile ducts remains a challenge. Our aim was to study the use in a large animal model of a novel, braided polylactide barium sulfate biodegradable biliary stent (BDBS) without external connection and with no need for later removal. Fifty swine were randomly operated on for Roux-Y HJ with or without BDBS in the anastomosis, and followed up (dynamic biligraphy, x-ray, serum determinations, anastomosis inner diameter, and histology) for 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. During the follow-up, one nonstented animal died because of anastomotic leakage. In x-ray BDBS was seen in place until 1.5 months in all of the stented animals. In the nonstented animals HJ anastomosis inner diameter was decreased at 18 months [6.3 (5.0–7.0) mm vs 7.4 (7.0–9.0) mm, p = 0.05] and liver clearance reduced at 12 and 18 months compared to stented animals. Serum liver values and liver and bile duct histology did not differ between the groups. We conclude that this novel BDBS is easy to insert into the HJ anastomosis with nondilated ducts. It is nontoxic, dissolves safely, and may be associated with a larger and better draining anastomosis at 18-month follow-up. These results encourage us to proceed to clinical studies.     

Biliary tract reconstruction using an autologous vein graft in rats

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.     

Using the Cystic Duct for Biliary Reconstruction in Dual-Graft Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

In Taiwan, living donor liver transplant (LDLT) has accounted for the majority of liver transplantation due to organ shortage. Dual-graft LDLT is a feasible way to resolve the insufficient graft size and remnant liver in donors. We presented a heavy-weight patient underwent dual-graft LDLT, and cystic duct was used to resolve the inadequate bile duct length and limited appropriate position in dual-graft LDLT. We harvested a right lobe graft (segment 5, 6, 7, and 8 without middle hepatic vein) and a left lobe graft (segment 1, 2, 3, and 4 without middle hepatic vein) stepwise, and placed the grafts orthotopically. For proper tension and length of biliary reconstruction, we anastomosed the right intrahepatic duct of the right lobe graft to cystic duct of the recipient. Before the biliary reconstruction, the metal probe was inserted in the lumen of cystic duct in recipient to ensure the patency and destroy the Heister valve of cystic duct, then the internal biliary stent (5 Fr pediatric feeding tube) was placed in the donor's right intrahepatic duct to recipient's cystic duct and common bile duct, which allows the endoscopic removal of the internal stent. The patient has survived more than 16 months with normal liver function.     

Management of Electrothermal Injury of Common Bile Duct with a Degradable Biliary Stent: an Experimental Study in a Porcine Model

Background

Electrothermal injury of common bile duct is a frequent type of biliary injury. A long-term postoperative course and biliary leakage after removing T-tube are associated with external drainage. A method was developed to repair the injury with a degradable biliary stent instead of T-tube insertion.

Methods

Pigs were divided into a stent repair (SR) group (n?=?18), a T-tube repair (TR) group (n?=?4), and a suturing repair (SUR) group (n?=?4). An electrothermal injury model was made by electric coagulation. Pigs in the SR group were further divided into five subgroups according to the observation time (2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, and 18 months). Pigs in the TR group and SUR group were observed for 6 months. Cholangiography was repeated and bilirubin level was monitored. Pigs were reoperated for further evaluation at the end of observation.

Results

No biliary stricture, bile leakage, or bile duct necrosis occurred in the SR group. The stent could be detected in the first 2 months. No stent migration or stent-related obstruction was observed. Three pigs in the SUR group had biliary stricture with elevated bilirubin levels.

Conclusions

These results suggested that the developed method for repairing electrothermal injury of common bile duct is feasible and safe.     

Hepaticojejunostomy by interventional radiology with an expandable metallic stent after extended right hepatectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: case report

As a rare complication of extended right hepatectomy with portal vein resection, we were unable to find the cut end of the bile duct of the lateral segment to create a hepaticojejunostomy in a 57-year-old man with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, we succeeded in safely creating a hepaticojejunostomy between the bile duct of the lateral segment and a Roux-en-Y jejunum by using the guide wire technique and an expandable metallic stent under fluoroscopic and cholangioscopic guidance after the operation. The patient was discharged with an internal biliary drainage tube, but died of recurrence about 2 years after the operation with the hepaticojejunostomy remaining patent.     

Reconstruction of a Common Bile Duct Injury by Venous Bypass

Hepaticojejunostomy is the standard technique for the reconstruction of severe iatrogenic lesions of the common bile duct (CBD), although the technique itself is major surgery with a complication rate up to 30%. We report a case of a male patient with a iatrogenic complete transsection of the CBD. Due to multiple previous operations and the present inflammation a standard reconstruction technique was not possible to perform. A neo-bile duct was created using a segment of the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) synchronously with an external biliary drainage by PTCA and biliary stenting (after 4 weeks). The stent was removed 8 months later. Cholangiography showed normal bile flow without occlusion. Blood tests normalised. We believe that using an autologous vein graft in combination with a removable or biodegradable stent is the right track for the reconstruction of the CBD in the future.     

Use of an opened umbilical vein patch for the reconstruction of the injured biliary tract

Background/Purpose When iatrogenic biliary tract injury occurs, there is the risk of complications such as bile leak and biliary stricture, and hepaticojejunostomy is the conventional procedure used for injury repair. However, this procedure can be complicated by retrograde biliary tract infection and the procedure can destroy the normal anatomical structure. Methods We report here a method of end-to-end biliary tract reconstruction that uses an opened umbilical vein (OUV) patch and two stents to reduce bile leakage and biliary stricture formation following injury to the common bile duct or right main bile duct. The postoperative courses of four patients are reviewed. Results In two of the patients, there was a small amount of postoperative bile drainage (for 3 days in the first patient and 2 days in the second patient). Of the two stents, the first stent was removed 1 month postoperatively, and the second stent at 2 to 3 months postoperatively. Three patients have returned to normal activity without symptoms after 44, 62, and 93 months, respectively. One patient died of a liver tumor recurrence in the fifth postoperative month, without a biliary problem. Conclusions An OUV patch for end-to-end biliary reconstruction reduced the volume and duration of bile leakage. Further research is needed to accurately evaluate the stenting period so as to reduce its duration.     

Benign hilar biliary strictures stented with metallic stents can be resected by using an oncologic approach

BACKGROUND: Biliary metallic stents (MS) are being used increasingly to treat patients with malignant bile duct strictures. In patients with benign strictures, MS are contraindicated because these stents are considered unremovable. The aim of this study was to report the operative treatment of patients with benign biliary strictures at the hepatic confluence stented with MS. METHODS: Five patients with a benign hilar stenosis stented with MS underwent liver resection with biliodigestive anastomoses. The operations were designed to remove all MS by a combined biliary and hepatic resection. RESULTS: After preoperative portal vein embolization in 2 patients and percutaneous biliary drainage in 2 others, all underwent a major hepatectomy with resection of the biliary confluence and a biliodigestive anastomosis. One patient also underwent resection of the portal vein bifurcation that could not be freed from the bile duct wall. Four patients experienced postoperative complications. With a mean follow-up of 37 months (range, 31-47 months), all patients have remained symptom-free. CONCLUSIONS: Operative treatment of benign hilar strictures in patients with MS is possible if they are managed similarly as patients with hilar malignancies. This demanding procedure should be considered an alternative to liver transplantation for benign strictures treated with MS, but the procedure requires expertise in advanced hepatic resections.     

脱细胞基质管腔人工仿真胆管的体内重建：动物实验初步报告

目的探讨脱细胞管腔基质人工仿真胆管支架材料（人工仿真胆管）修复胆管缺损的动物体内实验疗效。方法本实验采用前期制备的人工仿真胆管,应用于封闭群内江猪（18只）胆管缺损动物实验模型,探讨其体内修复效果,并根据术中是否安置支架分为支架组、无支架组,另设假手术组为对照每组各6只。术后不同时期检测相关指标,探讨人工胆管修复胆管缺损的实验疗效。结果体内实验发现,支架组、假手术组动物无死亡,无支架组实验动物分别植入术后第2、7、8和40天全部死亡。支架组大体标本未见明显胆漏,吻合口无明显狭窄,植入段胆管未见明显狭窄及管腔塌陷;无支架组大体标本可见植入段胆管狭窄,呈急性梗阻性化脓性胆管炎表现。实验室检查显示：支架组、假手术组胆管植入术后血清总胆红素（TB）无明显升高,无支架组动物在术后不同时间均有不同程度的血清TB升高,最高达到413．2μmol／L。组织学观察显示：植入术后第100天,形成较为完整的类似新生胆管样结构,整个胆管腔基本被类似正常胆管上皮的组织覆盖,无支架组标本可见吻合口狭窄明显,人工胆管挛缩、纤维化、管腔阻塞,局部组织结构混乱,炎性细胞浸润;免疫荧光染色示,在植入术后第100天支架组人工仿真胆管植入段的细胞角蛋白19（CK19）和上皮细胞黏附分子（HEA125）表达与植入段吻合口的上、下端正常胆管黏膜上皮的CK19和HE125表达相接近。结论人工仿真胆管的研发可能会为临床胆管缺损性疾病的治疗提供潜在的治疗途径。     

Reconstruction of ureteral defects with microvascular vein grafts in a rat model

This study was undertaken to test the performance of an autologous vein graft as a ureteral replacement in the rat model. Twenty-six rats were divided into three groups. In Group 1 (n = 10), the animals had a 3-mm segment of the ipsilateral ureter excised and the ureteral defect repaired, using a superficial epigastric vein graft. In Group 2 (n = 10), the same ureteral defect was created and again repaired, using a superficial epigastric vein graft, with the addition of a Silastic stent. The control, Group 3 (n = 6), had the ureter transected and repaired solely by means of primary anastomosis. Animals from each group underwent urography and were sacrificed for histology at three different postoperative intervals: 1, 4, and 12 weeks. Postoperative urography results showed normal renal function in the animals with ureteral reconstruction using vein grafting aided by a stent, as well as in those with primary ureteral anastomosis. No renal function return was seen in the animals with ureteral reconstruction by vein grafting alone, without stent support. Histologically, a progressive loss of the vascular endothelium, and replacement with the urothelium typical of the ureter, was seen in the stented vein grafts. Severe ureteral obstruction at the proximal site of the graft and hydronephrosis were seen in the vein-graft group without stenting. This study demonstrates that autologous vein grafts can be used successfully to correct a ureteral deficit, contingent on accurate microsurgical technique and immediate stenting.     

Surgical anatomy of the left lateral segment as applied to living-donor and split-liver transplantation: a clinicopathologic study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate intrahepatic vascular and biliary anatomy of the left lateral segment (LLS) as applied to living-donor and split-liver transplantation. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Living-donor and split-liver transplantation are innovative surgical techniques that have expanded the donor pool. Fundamental to the application of these techniques is an understanding of intrahepatic vascular and biliary anatomy. METHODS: Pathologic data obtained from cadaveric liver corrosion casts and liver dissections were clinically correlated with the anatomical findings obtained during split-liver, living-donor, and reduced-liver transplants. RESULTS: The anatomical relation of the left bile duct system with respect to the left portal venous system was constant, with the left bile duct superior to the extrahepatic transverse portion of the left portal vein. Four specific patterns of left biliary anatomy and three patterns of left hepatic venous drainage were identified and described. CONCLUSIONS: Although highly variable, the biliary and hepatic venous anatomy of the LLS can be broadly categorized into distinct patterns. The identification of the LLS duct origin lateral to the umbilical fissure in segment 4 in 50% of cast specimens is significant in the performance of split-liver and living-donor transplantation, because dissection of the graft pedicle at the level of the round ligament will result in separate ducts from segments 2 and 3 in most patients, with the further possibility of an anterior segment 4 duct. A connective tissue bile duct plate, which can be clinically identified, is described to guide dissection of the segment 2 and 3 biliary radicles.     

Circumferential choledochoplasties with autologous venous and arterial grafts

Circumferential choledochoplasties with vascular grafts have rarely been attempted either experimentally or in clinical practice. In this study, choledochoplasties using autologous venous and arterial grafts were performed in rats. Sixty-four rats were randomly selected into five treatment groups: A) venous interpositional graft replacement of a choledochus gap without a stent; B) venous graft with prolene stent; C) venous graft with polyethylene stent; D) arterial graft; E) a control group with simple resection between ligatures in the choledochus. The operative mortality in treatment groups B, C, D, and E, was 0, and 13% in group A. At 12 weeks follow-up, all the rats in group E had died, whereas, 52.2% (P <.05) of the rats in group A, 30% of the rats in group B, 57% of the rats in group C, and 92.8% of the rats in group D survived treatment. Surviving animals were sacrificed at 3 months for further examination. The morphology and caliber of the common bile duct of these rats were normal in 25% of the rats in group A, 33% of the rats in group B, 25% of the rats in group C, and 84.6% of the rats in group D. Proximal dilations were found in the rats presenting with abnormal morphology. The dilations were less marked in the group treated by arterial choledochoplasties. Laboratory and clinical cholestatic parameters were within normal ranges in the presence of common bile duct dilations less than four times the normal duct caliber. Electron microscopic examination of the venous and arterial graft at 3 months follow-up revealed a fibrous ring composed of collagen fibers, fibroblasts, and remnants of elastic fibers. Regenerated ductal epithelium encompassed both types of grafts. Epithelialization was more pronounced in venous grafts as compared to arterial grafts. Biliary epithelium was able to colonize the venous grafts and resume cell specialization and function as in normal biliary epithelium. The most satisfactory results were obtained using venous grafts with stents or by using arterial grafts. © 1993 Wiley-Liss Inc.     

A Tissue-Engineered Artificial Bile Duct Grown to Resemble The Native Bile Duct

The aim of this study was to fabricate an artificial bile duct for the development of a new treatment for biliary diseases. Eighteen hybrid pigs were implanted with a bile duct organoid unit (BDOU) made of a bioabsorbable polymer. Twelve of the transplanted BDOUs had been seeded with autologous bone marrow cells (BMCs) in advance. Six animals, the controls, were grafted with the scaffold alone with no BMCs seeded. The common bile duct was cut, the hepatic cut end of the native common bile duct was anastomosed to the BDOU and the other end was anastomosed to the duodenum. The controls underwent a similar operation. The neo-bile duct was removed at pre-determined time points and investigated histologically. All 18 recipient pigs survived until their sacrifice at 6 weeks, 10 weeks or 6 months. Histological examination revealed incomplete epithelialization of the neo-bile duct at 6 weeks and 10 weeks after transplantation. At 6 months, the organoid exhibited a morphology almost identical to that of the native common bile duct. No differences were found between the controls and BMC-seeded pigs. These results show that the artificial bile duct thus fabricated can serve as a substitute for the native bile duct.     

内镜下胆道支架置入治疗肝胆外科术后胆漏的临床观察

目的探讨内镜下胆道支架置入对肝胆外科手术后胆漏的治疗效果。方法回顾性分析我院2001年1月～2005年12月收治的11例肝胆外科术后胆漏，提出胆漏新的临床分型：Ⅰ型，胆囊管漏；Ⅱ型，肝外胆管漏（漏口直径小于胆管直径1／3的为A型，大于1／3为B型）；Ⅲ型，肝内胆管漏（肝内胆管盲端漏为A型，引流肝段以下的肝内胆管漏为B型，引流肝段以上的肝内胆管漏为C型）；Ⅳ型，Luschka管漏。结果11例中Ⅰ型6例，ⅡA型2例，ⅢA型1例，ⅢB型2例。4例行单纯支架置入，7例行Oddi括约肌切开联合支架置人。术后3周拔除支架6例，1个月拔除支架2例，2周、6个月和9个月拔除支架各1例。11例经内镜治疗后腹痛缓解，腹腔胆汁引流消失，黄疸消退。1例随访6个月，10例随访1—3年，均未复发腹痛、发热、黄疸、腹腔积液，血胆红素正常。结论内镜下胆道支架置入是治疗肝胆外科术后大多数胆漏的有效手段之一，胆漏新临床分型对治疗方法的选择具有一定的指导意义。     

射频消融联合支架植入术治疗恶性胆道梗阻

目的探讨射频消融联合支架植入术治疗恶性胆道梗阻的临床应用价值。方法选取恶性胆道梗阻的患者34例,对其中19例行射频消融联合胆道金属支架植入术(射频组),15例行单纯胆道金属支架植入引流术(引流组)。记录术前、术后5天和7天的血清总胆红素(TBIL),及术后胆瘘、胆道穿孔、胰腺炎及胆管炎的发生率。分别于术后3、6、12个月进行电话随访,记录支架通畅率、生存率及生存时间,并进行统计学分析。结果对两组患者均顺利完成手术,无胆瘘、胆道穿孔、胆道出血、胰腺炎发生。两组术前、术后5天和7天TBIL水平差异均无统计学意义(P均0.05)。10例出现胆管炎(射频组6例,引流组4例),两组差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。术后3、12个月支架通畅率及术后3、6、12个月生存率差异均无统计学意义(P均0.05)。射频组术后6个月支架通畅率高于引流组(P0.05)。射频组生存时间长于引流组(P0.05)。结论射频消融联合支架植入术可提高术后6个月支架通畅率并延长患者生存时间,可作为治疗胆道恶性梗阻的重要方法之一。     

活体肝移植的胆道重建技术及并发症分析

目的 探讨活体肝移植的胆道重建方法及并发症防治措施.方法 回顾性分析77例活体肝移植临床资料,其中74例行右半肝移植(带肝中静脉29例,不带肝中静脉45例),左半肝带肝中静脉1例,左外叶切取2例.胆道重建采用胆肠吻合或供肝肝管与受体肝管端端吻合.结果 供肝断面1个胆管开口为54例,多个胆管开口为23例;胆肠吻合2例,胆管端端吻合75例,63例留置T管;术后总体胆道并发症发生率为36.4%(28/77),其中胆漏为10.4%(8/77),胆道狭窄为26.0%(20/77).供肝单支胆道以及单个吻合口术后胆道狭窄的发生率明显低于多支胆道及多个吻合口(P<0.05).8例胆漏病人经过B超指引穿刺引流全部治愈,20例吻合口狭窄病人经T管窦道放置支撑管或通过ERCP进行扩张,肝功能全部或部分好转.结论 活体肝移植供肝切取术中注意对断面胆管血供的保护以及尽可能获得单一的肝管开口可有效减少术后胆道并发症的发生;内镜和放射介入技术是治疗胆道并发症的有效手段.