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Eur J Pediatr Surg 2022; 32(01): 080-084
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740556
Original Article

Kasai Procedure in Patients Older Than 90 Days: Worth a Cut

Marie Uecker
1   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
,
Joachim F. Kuebler
1   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
,
Nagoud Schukfeh
1   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
,
Eva-Doreen Pfister
2   Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
,
Ulrich Baumann
2   Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
,
Claus Petersen
1   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
,
Omid Madadi-Sanjani
1   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Abstract

Introduction Age at Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) has been identified as a predictive factor for native-liver survival in patients with biliary atresia (BA). Outcomes of pediatric liver transplantation (LT) have improved over recent years. It has been proposed to consider primary LT as a treatment option for late-presenting BA infants instead of attempting KPE. We present our experience with patients older than 90 days undergoing KPE.

Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review of patients with BA undergoing KPE at our institution between January 2010 and December 2020 was performed. Patients 90 days and older at the time of surgery were included. Patients' characteristics, perioperative data, and follow-up results were collected. Eleven patients matched the inclusion criteria. Mean age at KPE was 108 days (range: 90–133 days).

Results Postoperative jaundice clearance (bilirubin < 2 mg/dL) at 2-year follow-up was achieved in three patients (27%). Eight patients (73%) received a liver transplant at a mean of 626 days (range: 57–2,109 days) after KPE. Four patients (36%) were transplanted within 12 months post-KPE. Two patients died 237 and 139 days after KPE due to disease-related complications. One patient is still alive with his native liver, currently 10 years old.

Conclusion Even when performed at an advanced age, KPE can help prolong native-liver survival in BA patients and offers an important bridge to transplant. In our opinion, it continues to represent a viable primary treatment option for late-presenting infants with BA.

Keywords

biliary atresia - Kasai portoenterostomy - primary liver transplant - age


Publication History

Received: 17 July 2021

Accepted: 19 October 2021

Article published online:
16 December 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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