Kasai procedure
Pronunciation: kah-SY
A surgical procedure to treat biliary atresia by creating drainage from the liver to the intestine when normal bile ducts are absent or blocked.
Full Definition
The Kasai procedure, formally known as hepatoportoenterostomy, is a palliative surgical intervention developed by Japanese surgeon Morio Kasai for treating biliary atresia in infants. The procedure involves removing the blocked extrahepatic bile ducts and directly connecting the liver surface to a loop of small intestine, allowing bile to drain from microscopic bile ductules at the liver's surface. While primarily a pediatric procedure, knowledge of the Kasai procedure is relevant in gastrointestinal oncology because these patients may develop long-term complications including cholangitis, portal hypertension, and an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma. The procedure's success depends largely on the age at which it is performed, with better outcomes when completed before 8-10 weeks of age.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Dr. Morio Kasai; capitalize when referring to the specific procedure.
In Context
- "The patient had undergone a Kasai procedure as an infant for biliary atresia and now presented with concerning hepatic nodules requiring oncological evaluation." — Oncology consultation note
- "Long-term surveillance after Kasai procedure includes monitoring for cholangiocarcinoma development given the increased malignancy risk." — Hepatobiliary clinic note