Abstract
Purpose: to evaluate and compare changes in the bile-duct wall after the 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 surgically in the bile duct of 8 healthy pigs. the nonelectrolytic stents were also composed of 3 layers (2 layers of tantalum and an isolating layer of polyethylene) and were implanted surgically in the bile ducts of 9 healthy pigs. After an observation time of 8 weeks, the pigs were killed and the bile ducts were excised and sent for histopathological examination
Results: One pig was killed after the procedure owing to postoperative complications; all the other pigs survived without complications. Migration of the stent to the bowel occurred in 4 pigs. A slight inflammatory reaction was seen at histopathological examination in 6 pigs with the electrolytic stent and in 6 pigs with the nonelectrolytic stent. There was no difference in the specimens from pigs with electrolytic and nonelectrolytic stents
Conclusion: the electrolytic stents did not cause more changes in the normal bile-duct wall than the nonelectrolytic stents