Comparing the Effects of Absorbable Polyglycolic Acid-Coated Tube and Polypropylene Suture Repairs on Stricture Formation in Biliary Anastomosis

BackgroundOur study aimed to compare the effects of repair using polypropylene suture material vs polyglycolic acid-coated (PGA) tube on the development of biliary strictures in rat common bile duct incisions.MethodsThirty female rats were randomly divided into three groups. A controlled defect was created in the common bile duct. In Group 1, the defect was repaired with 8/0 polyglycolic acid; in Group 2, with 8/0 polypropylene; and in Group 3, with 8/0 polyglycolide-co-lactide followed by wrapping with an absorbable polyglycolic acid mesh tube. In the second surgical step, at 3 months postoperatively, blood samples were again taken from all subjects, liver biopsies were obtained, and the repaired bile duct area was resected for histopathological evaluation. Liver biopsies obtained before bile duct repair and at 3 months after repair were compared among the groups. Anastomotic sites and proximal bile duct diameters were compared between groups at 3 months post-repair.ResultsPostoperative ALT and GGT levels were significantly higher in Group 1 rats, while ALP levels were statistically significantly lower in Group 2 rats. Epithelial hyperplasia was detected in 20% of rats in Group 3, with fewer proliferative fibroblasts and less collagen scar tissue compared with those in other groups. The Portal edema rate was significantly lower in Group 3 than in Groups 1 and 2.ConclusionsThe use of PGA -coated tubes after PGLA suturing suggests that these tubes may reduce strictures in biliary repair in rats by maintaining a wider anastomotic diameter.