TISSUE ENGINEERING OF THE COMMON BILE DUCT USING MESH-COLLAGEN HYBRID SCAFFOLDS

Abstract

Background/Aims: Multiple attempts have been made to replace biliary defects with a variety of artificial materials. However, biliary reconstruction using prostheses have been yet realized in clinical setting. Therefore, we have designed a new type of artificial bile duct consisted of collagen sponge hybridized with polypropylene mesh. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of this prosthesis as a scaffold for bile duct tissue regeneration in a canine model. Method: The common bile duct was surgically resected (2-cm length) and then reconstructed using our prosthesis in four beagle dogs weighing 9–11 kg. A biliary stent was placed on the common bile duct to prevent biliary leakage during the initial stage of implantation, and it was removed 2 weeks post operation. The animals were sacrificed at each of the following times: 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. Prior to this, cholangiogram was performed on each animals, and the bile duct was examined histologically. Results: All dogs survived up to their sacrifices without serious events. The prosthesis was incorporated into the native bile duct. Histological examination showed that the prostheitic lumen was completely covered with biliary neoepithelium within 3 months. On cholangiograms, there was no luminal narrowing even at 6 months. Conclusions: Our prosthesis provided satisfactory bile drainage for a period of 6 months. Confluent epithelization was observed on inner surface of the prosthesis within 3 months.