Kasai Procedure: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

The diagnostic procedure for biliary atresia involves either a surgical incision below the ribs on the right side of the abdomen or a laparoscopic technique to inspect the bile ducts. A cholangiogram, a crucial study, is conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

During a cholangiogram, the surgeon inserts a small tube into the gallbladder (if present) and administers a contrast agent to visualize the bile ducts using X-ray imaging.

If the examination reveals obstructed bile ducts and impaired bile drainage, indicative of biliary atresia, surgical intervention is necessary. The surgeon will proceed to excise the abnormal gallbladder and bile ducts where they interface with the liver. Subsequently, a segment of the small intestine, known as the jejunum, is employed to reconstruct the bile ducts, establishing a connection between the liver and intestine. This surgical reconstruction aims to restore proper bile flow into the intestine and mitigate the effects of the disease.

Your child will recieve care in the recovery area after the procedure, and parents or caretaker can stay with the child as they wakeup. Following this, Your child will be transferred to the pediatric floor for the further observation and may stay in the hospital for a week or several days. They will discharge the the child once they are able to eat properly, with no fever and are comfortable with the medication.