The Japanese Operation for Biliary Atresia: Remedy or Mischief?

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A case illustration is given of an infant with biliary atresia who had the Kasai operation more than 1½ years ago and is now, by all biochemical and histiological criteria, cured. The early results with this operation in 14 patients are similar to those reported by the Japanese, that is, 25% have had sustained postoperative bile drainage. Success has never been achieved in infants older than 4 months. A long-held notion in this country to withhold operation in infants with jaundice until after 4 months has thus far militated against a critical and impartial evaluation of the Kasai operation. A plea is made to complete diagnostic work-up for jaundice during the first months of life so that the operation, if elected, may have a genuine chance for legitimate long-term analysis.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: