Common Bile Duct Anastomosis Using Fibrin Glue

• Transection of the common bile duct (CBD) secondary to iatrogenic or civilian trauma is a devastating injury associated with a high incidence of complications, especially biliary fistula and stricture formation. We evaluated the efficacy of Fibrin Sealant—a biologic adhesive containing highly concentrated human fibrinogen—in primary end-to-end anastomosis of the transected CBD in ten adult mongrel dogs. Postoperative T-tube stents in the CBD anastomosis and abdominal drainage were not used. Only two absorbable sutures were used for each CBD anastomosis. The dogs were reexplored postoperatively at intervals varying from one week to nine months; cholangiography was performed at postoperative intervals varying from one to six months. Examination of CBD specimens harvested one month or more after surgery revealed complete healing and no signs of previous injury. Histologic examination disclosed well-healed ductal tissue, without a significant inflammatory response. One dog had an anastomotic leak, and two had moderate narrowing of the CBD anastomosis. Our experience in experimental CBD anastomosis indicates that Fibrin Sealant (1) helps seal biliary anastomoses against leakage; (2) controls bleeding from cut edges of bile duct segments; (3) has good systemic and local compatibility; (4) may promote bile duct wound healing; and (5) significantly reduces the number of sutures needed for primary repair, thereby decreasing the potential for anastomotic ischemia, mucosal damage, and biliary stricture formation.

(Arch Surg 1985;120:1250-1256)