A three-dimensional scaffold from decellularized human umbilical artery for bile duct reconstruction

The main purpose of the study was to create in vitro bile duct equivalent out of decellularized human umbilical cord artery and use it to reconstruct common bile duct obstruction with preservation of sphincter of Oddi.

SDS and Triton X-100 were used for decellularization of the artery. Allogeneic isolated cholangiocytes were seeded onto the inner surface of the decellularized artery. Experimental study was held and 12 domestic pigs of both sexes, weighing 25-30 kg were used. They were divided in equivalent two groups. Common bile duct obstruction model was created in all animals. Animals of the first group (n=6) received no further treatment and were under observation. Animals of the second group (n=6) underwent relaparotomy after two days of initial intervention, lesion site (2 cm) was incised and defect was reconstructed with the bile duct equivalent with the size of 2-2,5 cm. Maximum observation period was 84 days.

Laboratory, morphologic and radiologic investigations showed good integration with the host organism.

Bile duct reconstruction is still a major of HPB surgery. This fact prompted this study to assess the efficacy of the novel method for bile duct reconstruction the experimental study by using appropriate laboratory, morphologic and radiologic investigations.

Preliminary results obtained with the described method allows us to say that bile duct equivalent created by us with decellularized human umbilical artery and cholangiocytes can be successfully used for bile duct reconstruction with inclusion of the sphincter of oddi.

Bile Duct Obstruction, Bile Duct Reconstruction, Decellularization, Human Umbilical Artery.