WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about hepatic portoenterostomy? Hepatic portoenterostomy, or Kasai procedure, is surgery to treat biliary atresia. Biliary atresia is a blockage of the bile ducts (tubes) that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder. Bile is a liquid made by the liver that helps with digestion. How do I prepare my child for surgery? Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare your child for surgery. He may tell you not to let your child eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of his surgery. He will tell you what medicines to give or not give on the day of your child's surgery. What will happen during my child's surgery? General anesthesia will keep your child asleep and free from pain during surgery. Your child's surgeon will make an incision on the upper right side of your child's abdomen. He will cut and remove the blocked bile ducts. Your child's surgeon will connect your child's liver to his small intestine. This creates a new duct to drain bile from your child's liver. Your child's surgeon may inject a dye to check for any leaks in the new duct. The incision will be closed with stitches or staples. A bandage will be placed over the incision. What are the risks of surgery? Your child may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Your child may develop increased pressure in his blood vessels or fluid buildup in his abdomen. You child may have an increased risk for poor nutrition and growth. Your child's liver may scar or stop working properly. The new duct may stop working and your child may need another surgery. |