From repair to risk: ICC-like fibrosis following 3D bioprinted bile duct reconstruction – a letter to the editor

Three-dimensional bioprinting integrates computing technology to precisely construct living tissues from cells, biomaterials, and growth factors. It is being used specifically in bile duct regeneration through the application of biodegradable polymers. However, recent studies indicate that the degradation of these polymers may result in inflammation and fibrosis similar to that observed in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. These findings underscore the need for standardized bioink formulations, careful monitoring and integrated histological and molecular follow up to prevent diagnostic confusion between regenerative fibrosis and malignancy.