Objective       To establish a rabbit model for benign stricture by partial ligating common bile duct through absorbable surgical suture.       Methods       Twenty-four New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal control group

sham-operation group and surgery group. The benign stricture of the common bile duct was achieved in the rabbits by partial ligation (50%) with VICRYL Rapide suture 6-0. Levels of liver function indicators were measured in 15 and 30 d after surgery. After a stricture was identified

the animal was killed and common bile duct samples were obtained for histopathological evaluation. The expression of collagen type Ⅰ and collagen type Ⅲ was measured by immunohistochemical assay.       Results      Serum levels of direct bilirubin (DBIL)

indirect bilirubin (IDBIL)

alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly higher than before surgery in the surgery group (P0.01). The lesion of common bile duct was significantly stricture. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed that excess collagen deposition and formation of scar tissue were observed in the surgery group than the control group. The expression of collagen type Ⅰ and Ⅲ in the stricture bile ducts was enhanced with the time elapse in the surgery group.       Conclusion      Partial ligation of the common bile duct with the absorbable surgical suture is effect in the establishment of an animal model of benign common bile duct stricture.