Experimental study on the construction of a rabbit biliary stent model via transduodenal puncture and the placement of an modified intravenous catheter

Objective: To establish a New Zealand rabbit model simulating a biliary stent via transduodenal wall puncture and the placement of a modified intravenous catheter, providing a new method for biliary stent-related research. Methods: Twenty healthy adult New Zealand rabbits were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 5). The experimental group underwent transduodenal puncture and placement of a modified intravenous catheter stent, whereas the control group underwent only laparotomy and duodenal exposure. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. The success rate, stability of stent placement, and impact on biliary tissue were evaluated through imaging, serum biochemistry, and histopathological examination. Results: Among the 15 rabbits in the experimental group, 13 stents were successfully placed, for a success rate of 86.7%. Two rabbits were excluded from stent placement because of puncture site bleeding during surgery. Postoperatively, 4 rabbits (30.8%) experienced bile reflux, and 2 (15.4%) developed local infections. Serum biochemistry revealed transient elevations in ALT, AST, and TBIL levels on postoperative day 7 (p < 0.05), which essentially returned to normal by day 14. Histopathology revealed mild mucosal inflammatory cell infiltration around the stent (inflammation score 2.1 ± 0.8), with no severe tissue damage observed. Conclusion: This novel method for constructing a biliary stent model has a high success rate and good stability and can provide a reliable animal model for experimental research related to biliary stents.