Animal model of bile duct dilatation created with minimally invasive surgery

Rationale and Objectives. The purpose of the study was to evaluate a method of producing obstruction of the common bile duct and concomitant biliary duct dilatation in an animal model. Materials and Methods. Laparoscopic placement of a double-balloon occlusion device was used to produce common bile duct obstruction and bile duct dilatation in pigs. Results. One week after the procedure, common bile duct obstruction and dilatation of the biliary tree were demonstrated with either percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography or percutaneous cholecystography. Conclusion. The use of this method is technically feasible and provides a useful subacute and chronic animal model of common bile duct obstruction and dilatation of the biliary tree for percutaneous interventional training and research purposes.