Liver transplantation following the Kasai procedure in treatment of biliary atresia: a single institution analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess outcomes of liver transplantation (LTx) in patients with biliary atresia (BA).

METHODS

The Kasai procedure was performed for 358 patients at Tohoku University Hospital between January 1955 and December 2013; 64 (17.9%) required LTx. These 64 patients were divided into 4 groups according to their age at the time of transplantation: Group 1, aged <2 years (n = 27); Group 2, aged 2-9 years (n = 16); Group 3, aged 10-19 years (n = 11); and Group 4, aged ≥20 years (n = 10). Clinical parameters were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

Both living-donor (n = 57) and deceased-donor (n = 7) LTx were performed. Indications were irreversible jaundice (n = 53), intractable cholangitis (n = 3), hepatopulmonary syndrome (n = 6), portopulmonary hypertension (n = 1), and intestinal bleeding (n = 1). Jaundice occurred more frequently in Groups 1 and 2 than in Groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.031). Survival rates were 81.5, 100, 90.9, and 80% in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although the overall LTx survival rate was satisfactory, some adult recipients experienced LTx-related difficulty. Close follow-up, meticulous assessment of physical and social conditions, presence of a multidisciplinary support system, and appropriate time course for LTx are all essential factors in the treatment of BA.