Are silicone rubber T-tubes better than latex rubber tubes in the common bile duct? A Rhesus monkey model

Abstract

Abstract A retrospective comparison of latex and silicone rubber T-tubes draining the common bile duct in the Rhesus monkey shows that both tubes excite an adequate local tissue reaction. However, latex rubber degenerated more rapidly than silicone rubber, the interval between insertion of the tube and onset of complications being significantly shorter (7.2 ± 0.9 (s.e.) weeks against 17.6 ± 6.2 weeks). It is suggested that silicone rubber T-tubes have a place in human biliary surgery, especially when long-term drainage of the biliary tract is required.