Hepatoportoenterostomy

Hepatoportoenterostomy is a surgical procedure often used to treat biliary atresia, a condition in infants where the bile ducts outside and inside the liver are scarred and blocked. This procedure is also known as the Kasai procedure, named after the Japanese surgeon Morio Kasai who developed it.

Overview

The bile ducts are tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. In biliary atresia, these ducts are blocked, causing bile to remain in the liver. Over time, this can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis. The Kasai procedure aims to restore bile flow from the liver into the intestine by creating a new pathway for bile drainage.

Procedure

During a hepatoportoenterostomy, the surgeon removes the damaged bile ducts and replaces them with a loop of the small intestine. This loop is connected to the liver at the spot where bile is expected to drain. The other end is connected to the intestine, allowing bile to bypass the damaged ducts and flow directly from the liver to the intestine.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, hepatoportoenterostomy carries some risks. These may include infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. Additionally, the procedure may not always be successful in restoring bile flow, and further treatment or liver transplantation may be necessary.

Aftercare and Prognosis

After the procedure, infants are typically monitored closely to ensure that bile is draining properly. Medications may be given to promote bile flow and reduce the risk of infection. The long-term prognosis varies, but many children who undergo the procedure are able to live normal, healthy lives.

See Also

• Biliary Atresia
• Liver Transplantation
• Cirrhosis

Hepatoportoenterostomy Resources
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