Bioconstruction of the extrahepatic biliary duct system in minipigs. Comparing normal condition with experimental obstruction.

The extrahepatic biliary duct system is subject to a particular bioconstruction to secure its bile transport function. The dominant structure of the bile duct wall is a network of collagen fibres harboring muscle-fibre bundles. The collagen fibres are virtually inelastic, volumes can be changed only by rearranging the network. The ducts show different spatial arrangements of the fibres causing different extents of dilatation during obstruction. Extreme dilatation might cause a rupture of the network, and deficient postoperative retonisation could be the result.