Self-expandable biodegradable biliary stents in porcine model.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Benign biliary strictures remain a clinical challenge.
• Novel self-expanding biodegradable polydioxanone biliary stents were investigated.
• A porcine model was utilized to assess stent performance and biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of surgical implantation of polydioxanone biliary stents.
• To determine the biodegradation timeline of these novel stents.
• To assess the histological response and biocompatibility in a porcine model.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-three pigs underwent surgical stenting of the common bile duct.
• Stent implantation was performed via the duodenal papilla.
• Macroscopic and histopathologic examinations were conducted at 2, 8, 13, and 20 weeks post-implantation.

Main Results:

• All stents demonstrated successful self-expansion without causing bile duct obstruction or complications.
• Complete stent absorption was observed within 13 weeks.
• A mild-to-moderate inflammatory reaction was noted, with no adverse clinical consequences such as cholangitis or necrosis.

Conclusions:

• Polydioxanone biodegradable self-expanding stents are suitable for biliary system implantation.
• These stents exhibit favorable biocompatibility and complete degradation within 13 weeks.
• The findings support the potential clinical utility of these stents for benign biliary strictures.