Objective: To investigate the feasibility and possible mechanism of non traditional hepatic lobectomy using nitinol alloy net blocker of biliary intrahepatic duct.
Methods: Biliary intrahepatic ducts of the experimental pigs were blocked with and without dissepiment blockers. The histological changes and expressions of TGF-betal and TIMP-1 in the livers were compared.
Results: Blockage of biliary intrahepatic duct using nitinol alloy net blocker without dissepiment resulted in obvious atrophy of the focus liver. The mean weight and size of the focus liver was only 1/4 of the controls (P < 0.05), with liver cells almost completely taken by collagen fibers. Higher expressions of TGF-beta1 and TIMP-1 were found in the group without dissepiment than in the group with dissepiments (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Using nitinol alloy net blocker for selective hepatic lobectomy is as effective as traditional hepatic lobectomy. It may offer a new way for treating intrahepatic bile duct stones.