Use of an autologous vein graft and stent in the repair of common bile defects: an experimental study.

We investigated the effectiveness of using an autologous vein graft and stent in the repair of large defects of the common bile duct (CBD) in a canine model. A 3-cm segment of the vena cephalica antibrachii and a 2-cm segment of the CBD were removed from eight healthy mongrel dogs with normal blood biochemistry levels. A stent was passed through the vein segment, and one end was introduced into the proximal end of the CBD while the other end was introduced into the distal end. The venous graft was then sutured to the CBD. A liver biopsy was taken for histopathological examination during laparotomy and relaparotomy. Blood samples were obtained on postoperative days 7, 14, and 20 for biochemical examination. The defect was effectively repaired by the autologous vein graft and stent in 7 dogs, after the exclusion of 1 dog that died of hemorrhage 3 days after the operation. No change in blood biochemistry was observed postoperatively, and no histopathological change in the liver was found in the preoperative or postoperative periods. These findings indicate that the use of an autologous vein graft and stent to repair CBD injuries may be a feasible and alternative method of treatment.