Repair of bile duct defect with degradable stent and autologous tissue in a porcine model

Figure 1 Biodegradable stents of different sizes. 1: Hump rings; 2: Main spindle, 10 mm in length between two hump rings.

Figure 2 Schematic diagram of repairing bile duct defect with degradable stent and omentum. A: Purse-string sutures with 4-0 Vicryl were made on both ends of bile duct; B: The stent was inserted into both ends of bile duct; C: A vascularized greater omentum was placed around the stent and both ends of common bile duct.

Figure 3 Surgical procedure. A: Stent is placed into common bile duct and two purse-string sutures are tied; B: A layer of large omentum is covered around the stent and two ends of bile duct (arrow).

Figure 4 Cholangiography through gall bladder. A: One month after operation, the shape of the stent (arrow) could be visualized in common bile duct; B: Three months after operation, the stent disappeared.

Figure 5 The common bile duct (arrow) three months after operation.

Figure 6 Histology of anastomosis. A: Hematoxylin and eosin stain × 100, black arrow indicates proliferation of bile duct glands; B: Masson’s trichrome stain × 100, white arrow indicates deposited collagen fibers.