Kasai portoenterostomy
Pronunciation: kah-SY por-toh-en-ter-OS-tuh-mee
A surgical procedure for biliary atresia in which a Roux-en-Y loop of jejunum is anastomosed to the porta hepatis to facilitate bile drainage.
Full Definition
The Kasai portoenterostomy, named after Japanese surgeon Morio Kasai, involves excision of the obliterated extrahepatic biliary remnant and anastomosis of a defunctioned jejunal loop to the transected porta hepatis, exploiting residual microscopic bile ductules at the liver hilum. It is the standard initial surgical treatment for biliary atresia and is most effective when performed before 60 days of age. Long-term outcome varies: approximately one-third of patients achieve adequate bile flow without progressing to transplantation. The eponym should be capitalised ('Kasai') in all documents; the procedure name should not be shortened to 'portoenterostomy' without specifying the eponym on first mention, as other portoenterostomies exist.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalise 'Kasai'; the full form 'Kasai portoenterostomy' should be used on first mention, with 'Kasai procedure' acceptable as a subsequent shortening within the same document.
In Context
- "Despite a successful Kasai portoenterostomy, the patient developed progressive intrahepatic biliary cirrhosis by age three." — Pediatric hepatology case summary
- "The operative report documented a Kasai portoenterostomy with a 40 cm Roux limb and no intraoperative complications." — Operative report