Anomalous pancreatico-biliary junction - Report of a new experimental model and review of the literature

A model of anomalous pancreatico-biliary junction was developed and used to investigate a possible role in the development of choledochal cyst and tumors of the biliary tract, An anastomosis was constructed between an isolated pancreas-duodenal segment and the gallbladder in 20 minipigs, but the results did not show any subsequent dilatation of the biliary tract, although intestinal metaplasia was observed in 20% of the animals. The severity of the epithelial changes was proportional to the duration of the experiment and may represent a premalignant change, A critical review of all reported animal models of anomalous pancreatico-biliary junction also is provided. Copyright (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company.