[Reconstruction-plasty of iatrogenic choledochal stenoses using human pericardium. An experimental study in the...

The effect of human pericardial patch plastic for reconstruction of iatrogenic common bile duct stenosis was investigated in experiments performed in pigs. All patches (n = 8) were overgrown with immature biliary epithelium detectable on light and electron microscopy within 6 weeks. No restenosis nor any fistula developed during this observation period. Liver function tests, especially bilirubin, were not suitable parameters for the detection of biliary obstruction (preoperative value 0.38 +/- 0.09 mg/dl; 1 week after subtotal stenosis 3.36 +/- 1.53 mg/dl; 2 weeks after subtotal stenosis 1.49 +/- 0.62 mg/dl; 3 weeks after subtotal stenosis 0.50 +/- 0.27 mg/dl; 6 weeks after pericardial patch plastic 0.33 +/- 0.05 mg/dl, mean +/- SD. Ultrasonographic measurement of the common bile duct diameter was the diagnostic method of choice. Preoperative dimension 4.5 +/- 0.5 mm; 1 week after subtotal stenosis 8.5 +/- 2.0 mm; 2 weeks after subtotal stenosis 10.5 +/- 1.8 mm; 3 weeks after subtotal stenosis 14.0 +/- 3.6 mm; 6 weeks after pericardial patch plastic 9.0 +/- 1.6 mm, mean +/- SD.