Comparison of different surgical repairs in the treatment of experimental duodenal injuries

Background: In this experimental study, we aimed to investigate the results of different surgical repair methods for delayed reconstruction of severe experimental duodenal defects. Methods: A large duodenal defect with irregular and tagged margins covering about 50% of the circumference was created in the second part of duodenum of male Wistar rats. The effectiveness of primary repair, jejunal serosal patch, Roux-en-Y duodenojejunostomy, or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch repair techniques were investigated on the basis of survival and histologic assessment. Results: No significant survival benefit was observed between jejunal serosal patch, Roux-en-Y duodenojejunostomy, or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch repair techniques. But these repair modalities were associated with better survival rates than no-treatment or primary repair techniques. Complete coverage of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts by neomucosa consisting of columnar epithelium with villus formation was observed in surviving rats about 16 weeks after surgery. Conclusions: Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch can be used in the repair of experimental large duodenal defects, which can not be repaired primarily.