[Replacement of the common bile duct by an autologous vein (author's transl)].

3 cm of the common bile duct was removed in 19 dogs and the defect was bridged by an autologous vein. The interposition of a vein graft was performed with a double end-to-end anastomosis. In four cases a T-drain was additionally placed into the transplant. GOT, GPT, LDH, AP and bilirubin were tested in regular intervals. The patency of the transplant was proved by radiography with dogs which survived longer than 6 weeks. 5 dogs died within the first 4 weeks, 4 were killed after 2 months, because of incrustation of the T-drain for a regular percutaneous rinsing of the drainage was not possible. 10 dogs survived for 6 to 12 months. These animals showed increasing laboratory results up to two months, then the tests normalized. The function of the transplanted vein was without complication and the liver histology did not show any pathological alteration. After two months the transplanted vein was bridged by bile duct epithelium.