ELECTROLYTIC STENT IN THE NORMAL BILE-DUCT - AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY

Purpose. To evaluate and compare changes in the bile-duct wall after t he insertion of electrolytic and nonelectrolytic stents. Material and Methods. The electrolytic stents were composed of 3 different layers ( iron, isolating polyethylene and tantalum) and were implanted surgical ly in the bile duct of 8 healthy pigs. The nonelectrolytic stents were also composed of 3 layers (2 layers of tantalum and an isolating laye r of polyethylene) and were implanted surgically in the bile ducts of 9 healthy pigs. After an observation time of 8 weeks, the pigs were ki lled and the bile ducts were excised and sent for histopathological ex amination. Results: One pig was killed after the procedure owing to po stoperative complications; all the other pigs survived without complic ations. Migration of the stent to the bowel occurred in 4 pigs. A slig ht inflammatory reaction was seen at histopathological examination in 6 pigs with the electrolytic stent and in 6 pigs with the nonelectroly tic stent. There was no difference in the specimens from pigs with ele ctrolytic and nonelectrolytic stents. Conclusion: The electrolytic ste nts did not cause more changes in the normal bile-duct wall than the n onelectrolytic stents.