Kasai procedure
Pronunciation: kah-SAH-ee
Surgical procedure creating drainage from the liver to the intestine for biliary atresia treatment.
Full Definition
A hepatoportoenterostomy procedure that creates biliary drainage by connecting the liver directly to the small bowel, bypassing the atretic biliary tree. The procedure involves complete mobilization of the liver, transection at the porta hepatis to expose microscopic bile ducts, and creation of a Roux-en-Y limb for drainage. Success depends on patient age at surgery, with optimal outcomes when performed before 60 days of life. Long-term complications include cholangitis, portal hypertension, and progressive liver dysfunction requiring eventual transplantation in many cases.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize 'Kasai' as it is an eponym. Include patient age at surgery in documentation.
In Context
- "The Kasai procedure was performed at 45 days of life with good bile flow noted intraoperatively." — operative report
- "Post-Kasai surveillance includes monitoring for cholangitis and portal hypertension development." — follow-up protocol