Microvascular proliferation of the portal vein branches in the liver of biliary atresia patients at Kasai operation is associated with a better long-term clinical outcome
A case illustration is given of an infant with biliary atresia who had the Kasai operation more than 1½ years ago and is now, by all biochemical and histiological criteria, cured. The early results with this operation in 14 patients are similar to those reported by the Japanese, that is, 25% have had sustained postoperative bile drainage. Success has never been achieved in infants older than 4 months. A long-held notion in this country to withhold operation in infants with jaundice until after 4 months has thus far militated against a critical and impartial evaluation of the Kasai operation. A plea is made to complete diagnostic work-up for jaundice during the first months of life so that the operation, if elected, may have a genuine chance for legitimate long-term analysis.
Short- and long-term outcomes after Kasai operation for type III biliary atresia: Twenty years of experience in a single tertiary Egyptian center-A retrospective cohort study