Histological, laboratory, and x‐ray findings after repair of the common bile duct with a Teflon^® graft

Abstract

Abstract The common duct was ligated in 25 dogs, 5 of which served as controls. Serum bilirubin, GOT, GPT, and alkaline phosphatase were measured pre‐ and postoperatively. Eight days later, in 10 dogs, a longitudinal incision was made across the stenosed segment of the common bile duct, which was then widened with a Teflon ® patch. In 10 other dogs, the stenosis was resected and the defect was bridged with a Teflon ® prosthesis. A few days later, laboratory parameters returned to normal. Histological examination after 4 weeks showed that the Teflon ® patch and Teflon ® prosthesis were lined with bile duct epithelium. X‐ray studies 6, 12 and 24 months after repair showed no evidence of stenosis. We conclude that it is possible to use a Teflon ® graft in reconstructive common bile duct surgery.