Experimental use of a pedicle gallbladder graft for the repair of large duodenal defects

The use of a gallbladder patch to cover duodenal wall defects was attempted on 36 dogs. This defect was surgically induced on the second part of the duodenum. All the dogs survived and had an uneventful postoperative course. The healing of the defect was satisfactory and the structure and thickness of the graft remained unchanged This method could be a suitable alternative in the treatment of large duodenal defects, especially in the presence of other intra-abdominal injuries, and when the use of other graft material is not feasible.