Laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy via PTFE‐covered stent successfully achieves internal drainage of common bile duct obstruction

The purpose of this study was to develop a method of laparoscopic biliary bypass utilizing a PTFE‐covered biliary stent. An animal model of common bile duct obstruction was developed. Three days before the planned choledochojejunostomy, the common duct in 10 female pigs was ligated using mini‐laparoscopy instrumentation (2 mm) to create an obstruction model. A laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy was then performed using intracorporal suturing (n=5) or stented (n=5) techniques. In the sutured group, a side‐to‐side two‐layer anastamosis was performed. In the stented group, a Seldinger technique was used to deliver the stent into the abdomen through the small bowel and into the anterior wall of the common bile duct for deployment across both the duct and bowel to create an anastomosis (under fluoroscopic guidance). After the surgery, the animals were followed for 7 days, and then sacrificed to examine the anastomosis grossly and histologically. Statistical analysis was used to compare the two groups. Although the difference was not statistically significant, the mean anastomosis time in minutes was shorter for the stented group (37.8; range15-74 minutes) than in the sutured group (52.8; range 28-70 minutes). All animals survived for 7 days after the procedure with no detectable biliary leaks or biliary obstruction at autopsy. These gross findings were confirmed by pathologic examination of the anastomoses. Laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy using a PTFE‐covered metallic biliary stent can be performed to relieve common bile duct obstruction. In addition, the stent method was as safe and effective as sutured laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy.