Experimental Model with Choledochojejunostomy in Rats—Technique and Significance

A simple technique of choledochojejunostomy in rats is introduced in this paper and its suitability for use is as an experimental model. The healing characteristics of sutureless choledochojejunostomy rat (C-J rat) were investigated in a rat experimental model. The common bile duct of 10 conditioned Wistar rats was exposed, divided transversely and a choledochojejunostomy constructed with only a vinyl chloride tube positioned between the common bile duct and jejunum. The animals were sacrificed on 12 weeks after surgery. From the serum biochemical examination on 12 weeks after surgery, serum bilirubin, AST and ALT in C-J rat were similar to those of control. But Alp in C-J rat is significantly increased compared to control due to stent tube. Therefore, there is no problem about the bile flow via choledochojejunostomy in C-J rat. The results of the present study indicate clearly that the sutureless anastomosis in a rat model is reliable and leads to long-term anastomotic patency at 12 weeks after surgery. Sutureless choledochojejunostomy may have an application in the reconstruction of narrow and fragile bile duct. Our technique will be suitable for the cases of narrow and fragile bile duct which standard biliary enteric anastomosis is impossible. Subject Areas Gastroenterology & Hepatology