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Pediatric Surgery International

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01-12-2017 | Original Article

Current management of long-term survivors of biliary atresia: over 40 years of experience in a single center and review of the literature

Authors: Hideyuki Sasaki, Hiromu Tanaka, Masaki Nio

Published in: Pediatric Surgery International | Issue 12/2017

Abstract

Introduction

Owing to several therapeutic advancements, more patients with biliary atresia now survive into adulthood while retaining their native liver. However, the optimal strategy for long-term management of such patients remains unclear.

Methods

Aiming to establish the current management strategies, we reviewed previous reports of long-term outcome of BA who underwent surgery at our institution as well as the relevant literature, focusing particularly on the treatment of late complications.

Results

Approximately 30–40% of long-term survivors of biliary atresia who retain their native liver exhibit late sequelae such as cholangitis and portal hypertension. Early and appropriate intervention with Kasai portoenterostomy is essential for ensuring long-term survival with good quality of life. In our hospital, the current standard for Kasai portoenterostomy involves dissecting the fibrous remnants along the porta hepatis, just on the level of the liver capsule. Cholangitis is an important late complication in biliary atresia, and the possibility of mechanical obstruction of the biliary drainage route or deformity of the intrahepatic bile ducts with or without gallstones should be thoroughly evaluated in patients with intractable cholangitis. Regarding portal hypertension, appropriate interventions such as endoscopic variceal treatment and partial splenic embolization are considered to provide good quality of life when hepatic function is preserved.

Conclusion

Appropriate therapeutic management is strongly recommended in selected patients with late complications.

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Title: Current management of long-term survivors of biliary atresia: over 40 years of experience in a single center and review of the literature
Authors: Hideyuki Sasaki
Hiromu Tanaka
Masaki Nio
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Pediatric Surgery International / Issue 12/2017
Print ISSN: 0179-0358
Electronic ISSN: 1437-9813
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-017-4163-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Current management of long-term survivors of biliary atresia: over 40 years of experience in a single center and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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