Development of a regenerative therapy of bile duct using tissue engineering technique

Abstract

Bilioenteric anastomosis is a commonly used procedure for biliary tract reconstruction in a variety of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. However, the procedure is associated with loss of physiological function of the duodenal papilla of Vater and allows reflux of bowel fluid into bile ducts, resulting in anastomotic stricture and cholangiocarcinoma. The procedure is not ideal, so we are investigating the procedure which preserve physiological function of the duodenal papilla of Vater. In this review, we introduce a regenerative therapy of bile duct using tissue engineering technique and mention future prospects of the therapy in clinical settings.