Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts in restoring bile drainage in dogs.

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were evaluated for use in restoring bile drainage in 21 dogs with experimental stenosis of the common bile duct. Rigid PTFE grafts reinforced with rings and armed with a polyethylene ring fastened to tissues adjacent to the hepatoduodenal ligament could not be compressed or displaced and provided a satisfactory bile drainage for periods of 12 months. Focal regeneration of common duct epithelium external to the graft was observed.