In vivo porcine training model of laparoscopic common bile duct repair with T-tube insertion under the situation of iatrogenic common bile duct injury

PURPOSE: We introduce a training porcine model for laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) repair with T-tube insertion. The model could be the feasible training tool for a surgeon learning hepatobiliary surgery. METHODS: Totally laparoscopic CBD repair with T-tube insertion was performed on 9 pigs by 9 trainees naïve in hepatobiliary surgery. Similar to the situation of iatrogenic injury, CBD was transected by laparoscopic scissors at the middle part about 1 cm in length, and the transected CBD was repaired through end-to-end anastomosis with T-tube insertion. A secureness of anastomosis was confirmed by saline leakage test and all animals were sacrificed after the surgery. RESULTS: All novice surgeons completed operations successfully without complications. Total mean operative time was 85 ± 1.7 minutes and the mean time spent performing the CBD repair with T-tube insertion was 71 ± 3 minutes. There was no bile leakage after primary anastomosis in all animals. CONCLUSION: This porcine training model for laparoscopic CBD repair with T-tube insertion could be a feasible and effective training tool for surgeons with little experience in laparoscopic hepatobiliary surgery.