Background: Bilioenteric anastomosis allows reflux of bowel fluid into bile ducts, resulting in reflux cholangitis. We sought to develop a reflux-free procedure of bilioenteric anastomosis endowed using an artificial bile duct (ABD).
Methods: The study was performed in four groups of pigs. In Group A, end-to-side choledochoduodenostomy using the interposed ABD with its distal end wrapped by the duodenal seromuscular layer was performed. In Group B, conventional end-to-side choledochoduodenostomy using the ABD was performed. In Group C, conventional end-to-side choledochoduodenostomy was performed. In Group D, sham operation was performed. In each groups, 12 weeks later, animals were evaluated.
Results: Bile amylase levels were significantly lower in Group A (36.9 +/- 21.7 U/L) compared with Group B (469 +/- 140.9 U/L). No significant differences were observed in bile amylase levels between Groups A and D or between Groups B and C. On histology, the neo-bile duct in Group A was covered with the duodenal muscular layer at the orifice into the intestinal tract.
Conclusion: This study suggests that the ABD is useful in the regeneration of extrahepatic bile ducts and that to bury the ABD in the duodenum can be a preventive measure against reflux of bowel fluid to bile ducts.