[Reconstruction of the common bile duct with a free venous autograft (experimental work - preliminary communication)]

In seven dogs, the authors performed a resection of the supraduodenal part of the main bile duct, 15-2 cm. in length. The arising defect was bridged over with a free autovenous graft taken from the exterior jugular vein (T-T anastomosis), without using a temporary or permanent prosthesis. The animals were followed-up 60 days and the sacrificed. Three dogs perished: the first one on the third day due to intoxication, the second dog on the thirteenth day because of anastomosis' disruption and consequent biliary peritonitis, and the third one on the eighteenth day of unknown causes. In the immediate postoperative course the values of the bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase were increased while those of transaminase were not significantly altered. These values began to normalize during the third week. An intravenous biliography was made on the sixtieth day showing a normal filling of the gallbladder, with an orderly visualization of hepato-choledochus and its correct transit, but with stenosis at the distal anastomosis. Macroscopically, the graft appeared slightly enlarged in length and diameter due to the mentioned stenosis. Histologically, the graft took on an appearance similar to the main bile duct, while its endothelium was completely replaced by biliary epithelium. An answer about the viability of this autovenous graft to serve as a substituent of a normal common bile duct is to be expected with further experimental work.