Effect of bili-digestive anastomosis on experimental pancreatic carcinogenesis.

Hamsters were subjected to cholecysto-duodenostomy and a small suprapancreatic bile-duct resection in order to preclude bile reflux into the pancreatic ducts. The model was used to investigate the role of bile reflux in the pancreatic carcinogenic action of BHP (N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine). The carcinogen was given by weekly injection for 20 or 24 weeks. No statistically significant effects of the bile deviation on tumour frequency were found at the end of either time. BHP per se did not induce tumours in any preferential area of the gland. The tumours thus were uniformly distributed. Corresponding distribution was found in the hamsters with choledochoduodenostomy. The histologic appearance of the pancreatic lesions was the same in hamsters with and without choledochoduodenostomy. The findings do not support the concept of bile reflux as an aetiologic factor in experimental pancreatic carcinogenesis.